Matthew was delighted to accept an invitation to meet the Deputy Prime Minister of Nepal, Mr Kamal Thapa, at Parliament this week. Matthew was joined by local resident and former Chairman of the Burnt Oak Nepalese Community, Lachhya Gurung. Those present at the meeting discussed a wide range of issues including women’s rights, Ghurkha pensions, border control with India, the arrest of Colonel Kumar Lama and the rebuilding of the country following the earthquake last April.

Britain’s relationship with Nepal has been formally recognised since 1816. During that time Nepal has come to Britain’s aid with its Ghurka regiments in overseas conflicts in places including Afghanistan, Iraq, the Falklands and, notably, in the Second World War. During this time the Queen has visited on two occasions - in 1961 and 1986 - and the Deputy Prime Minister extended an invitation for the Prime Minister to visit in the bi-centenary year in 2016.

Matthew took the opportunity to ask what further assistance the UK Government - and particularly DfID - could give to help in the construction and rebuilding of the 600,000 private residences, numerous roads, bridges, public buildings and vital infrastructure such as energy supply which were destroyed in the earthquake.

Matthew said: "Britain’s relationship with Nepal and the Ghurka community is a very special one and I will be encouraging the Prime Minister to visit the country next year. We have been served well on many occasions and I want the sacrifice made by many of my constituents to be honoured and believe that an official visit to Nepal would achieve that.

"Following the terrible earthquake in April, I will also be discussing how the reconstruction process is progressing in Nepal. Our Parliament has legislated to spend 0.7% of our country’s GDP on overseas aid and I want to ensure that we come to the aid of our friends when they need our support." 

Matthew is pictured with Deputy Prime Minister of Nepal, Mr Kamal Thapa (centre) and local resident Mr Lachhya Gurung