I'll try to clarify the situation once more.

Retired soldiers from Commonwealth countries who served in the British Army for more than four years have, and have had for some time, the right to UK citizenship, full army pension, health care etc.

After considerable pressure, the Government extended this last year to Gurkhas who retired after 1st July 1997 - the date the HQ of the Brigade of Gurkhas moved from Hong Kong to the UK.

Those Gurkhas who retired prior to that date had to apply on an individual basis to remain in the Uk and even the few who were granted permission, based on the strength of their "Contact to th UK" were still left with a pension which was a mere pittance compared with those who retired after this magic date. This group - around 2000 and getting fewer as old age and failing health take there tolls - is what the current action is about.

A lot of Mudcatters with better wordskills than I have said why they feel the existing, hopefully now to be remedied, situation is totally wrong. If however, as a result of these test cases being successful we are faced with hordes of Gurkha pensioners rushing round robbing, mugging and slitting throats while listening to Walkmans (or is it Walkmen?) Then I will admit I was wrong from the outset.

Eddie