Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe MP David Chadwick has renewed his campaign for equal pensions for Gurkha veterans, challenging the UK Government in the Commons over what he described as an “injustice that cannot be allowed to stand.”

Mr Chadwick pressed Veterans Minister Al Carns on what steps the Government is taking to ensure Gurkha soldiers, many of whom live in Brecon and the surrounding area, are not left in poverty after years of loyal service.

“For more than two centuries, Gurkha veterans have served our country with extraordinary loyalty and bravery,” Mr Chadwick told the House of Commons. “Yet to the shock of many, thousands who retired before 1997, despite fighting shoulder to shoulder with their British comrades, often suffering injuries and wounds in the process, remain on inferior pensions, leaving too many in poverty.

“Does the Minister agree that that injustice cannot be allowed to stand? Will he commit to ensuring that all Gurkha veterans receive fair and equal pensions in recognition of their service?”

In response, Mr Carns said the UK has a proud and distinguished history of Gurkha soldiers serving in the British Army and across defence.

He told Mr Chadwick: “I served with them in Afghanistan and across many other conflicts.

“The Bilateral Gurkha Veteran Welfare Committee sat most recently in June of this year, and it continues to ensure that the needs of Gurkha veterans are met and understood fully.

“It is also worth noting that even among British service personnel from in and around that era, some did not qualify for a pension, so in some cases there is parity across the board.

“The Gurkha welfare advice centres provide handling support for a wide variety of welfare-related inquiries, alongside the Gurkha Brigade Association.

“I have also met the Nepalese ambassador, and will do so again soon to discuss the issues.”

Mr Chadwick said afterwards he was disappointed by the Government’s stance.

“It is unacceptable that Gurkha veterans are continuing to receive this unjust treatment by the UK Government,” he said. “I will continue to push for full equality in pensions for all Gurkha veterans.

“These are brave servicemen who served and were injured alongside their British colleagues defending our country.

“It is disappointing that the UK Government chose not to change its position today, but I will continue to use my voice in pushing for justice for our Gurkha veterans.

Under current rules, those who retired before 1997 remain on the outdated Gurkha Pension Scheme, which pays significantly less than the Armed Forces Pension Scheme received by their British counterparts.

Earlier this year, Mr Chadwick submitted an Early Day Motion calling for Gurkhas to be granted equal access to the Armed Forces Pension Scheme regardless of their retirement date. In July, he joined Gurkha veterans in Parliament Square as they demonstrated for fairer treatment.

Brecon has a long-standing connection with the Gurkhas through the Infantry Battle School, where generations have trained. Annual parades and events in the town continue to celebrate those ties.