GURKHA soldiers at Blandford Camp should be allowed to become British citizens and not be sent back to Nepal when they complete their service, councillors say.

It is appalling that they should be uprooted and sent back after 15 years of "brave and loyal" service whilst comrades-in-arms are granted rights denied to them, it is argued.

North Dorset District Council will today consider a motion to urge the Home Secretary to grant all Gurkhas and their families the right to British citizenship on retirement from the army.

The move has been triggered by a review currently being conducted by the Home Office into Gurkhas' status within the UK.

Cllr David Milsted said that, historically, Gurkhas had always been paid less than other soldiers in the British army and their pensions at £90 a month were only a fraction of those of their comrades.

And the 220 Gurkhas at Blandford represented more than seven per cent of the 3,000 legendary fighters currently domiciled in Britain, he said.

"They do a minimum of 15 years' service and essentially they have got British kids who don't know Nepal," said Cllr Milsted.

"The thought of those children being uprooted at the age of 14 is appalling.

"We don't have this rule for anyone else. Commonwealth soldiers can claim British citizenship after four years' service.

"These are citizens of North Dorset and they're being discriminated against."

Lib Dem Cllr Milsted has gathered cross-party support for his motion, which is seconded by former army officer and Conservative Andrew Pemberton.

Cllr Pemberton said he had met Gurkhas while serving in Hong Kong.

"I think it's a worthwhile motion," he said. "They serve this country all over the world very bravely and loyally. I should be very surprised if there's any opposition."

First published: September 24