500 signatures reached
To: Sir Edward Davey, MP
Urgent Review of Armed Forces Pension Scheme
To: Sir Edward Davey, House of Commons, London, SW1A 0AA
Kingston Liberal Democrats, 21 Berrylands Road, Surbiton KT5 8QX
Subject: Urgent Review of Armed Forces Pension Scheme
Dear Sir Davey,
I am writing to you as a concerned constituent and a proud member of the British Armed Forces to highlight the unfair disparity between military and political pensions—particularly the ongoing discrimination against Gurkha soldiers.
I urge you to take immediate action by:
1. Calling for a parliamentary debate on Armed Forces pension reform.
2. Pressing for a full, inclusive review of military pensions—ensuring fairness for all serving and retired soldiers, including Gurkhas.
3. Advocating for fair financial security for all who have served and protected our nation.
I am aware that this issue has been raised before. Yet, every discussion and debate has ended with decisions that favour the powerful while disregarding the loyalty of Gurkhas and service personnel. This time, it must be different.
I implore you to raise this matter in Parliament once again and push for meaningful change until justice is not just promised but delivered.
I look forward to your response and, more importantly, to real action being taken. Thank you for your time and support.
Why is this important?
Service members, whether British or Gurkha, dedicate years—often decades—risking life and limb to protect our country. Yet, upon retirement, they receive a fraction of their salary as a pension, while politicians serving just two terms in the safety of Westminster enjoy significantly better pension benefits. This is a grave injustice that must be addressed.
As a young Gurkha soldier, I remember taking an oath:
"I swear by Almighty God that I will bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, her heirs and successors, and that I will, as in duty bound, honestly and faithfully defend Her Majesty, her heirs and successors, in person, Crown and dignity against all enemies…."
Yet, we are met with discrimination.
- We undergo the same rigorous training as British soldiers.
- We serve in the same operational environments, facing the same dangers.
- We meet the same demands of a soldier’s duty.
Yet, Gurkha veterans receive 30% less pension than our British counterparts—mere peanuts compared to politicians.
Throughout my career, I contributed to National Insurance, believing it would support me in later life. But after leaving the Army, I discovered that my National Insurance number was merely temporary—a namesake with no real benefit.
Was this another calculated way to dismiss us after years of loyal service?
We have paid with our sweat, our sacrifices, and our lives. Yet, when our service is done, we are discarded and denied the dignity of fair treatment.
This injustice cannot continue.
This is not just about financial fairness—it is about honouring the unwavering commitment and sacrifices of those who serve.
