Matthew was pleased to meet members of the Burnt Oak Nepalese community at their AGM in Edgware. Speaking to those present Matthew said it was wrong that former Ghurkha soldiers receive lower pensions.  He also congratulated the young Nepalese on their educational achievements in the last year, and vowed to continue working to find a community centre for the Nepalese organisation. 

The All Party Parliamentary Group on Ghurkha Welfare is expected to take evidence before March 2014 on pensions, healthcare and a range of other issues important to the Nepalese Community. It is anticipated it will report shortly afterwards. 

Matthew said: "The manner in which the last Labour Government treated Ghurkha veterans was appalling. Nepalese residents have told me how their pensions from the British Army are £300 lower than British soldiers who served at lower ranks. That is not fair and I will continue to press for this to be changed." 

Photo: Matthew with outgoing Chairman of the Burnt Oak Nepalese Community, Lachhya Gurung