When Wilfred Owen wrote the conclusion of his infamous poem, 'Dulce et decorum est Pro patria mori' (it is sweet and honourable to die for one's country), he was being ironic. Even so, if he were alive today, I'm sure he would spare a thought for the cause of the Ghurkas. Yesterday, fifty former Ghurka soldiers handed their war medals to Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg outside Parliament, in protest against their unfair treatment by the government. For over 200 years, the Ghurkas have fought alongside British soldiers, for British causes. Despite this, much of the British public are unaware of their contribution, and the Nepalese natives have been treated as ‘second class citizens’ by the British government.

When it comes to war, I am of the same opinion as the great Edwin Starr, "What is it good for; ABSOLUTELY NOTHING". However, I both respect and sympathise with the sacrifices and atrocities that soldiers' have to face during war. The Ghurkas are Britain's 'oldest ally in Asia.' The Ghurkas have fought alongside British soldiers, 200,000 fought in the first and second world wars alone and 43,000 lost their lives. Since then, they have fought in the Falklands and currently in Iraq and Afghanistan.

To be fair to the current government, it is the first to introduce equal pay and a right to UK citizenship to Ghurka soldiers after four years of army service. However, Ghurkas who retired before 1997 do not automatically receive this entitlement. For this reason, Major Damar Ghale MBE, returned his five military awards and the honour that he received in 2002. Several hundred comrades turned out in support as fifty other Ghurkas followed his lead. The message is resounding; if the service of the Ghurkas is worth so little, then so are their honours.

During yesterdays Prime Minister's questions, Gordon Brown sought to "pay tribute to the Ghurkas". However, he undermined his sentiments by mentioning the fact that they fought with Prince Harry in Afghanistan. Harry served for ten weeks; the Ghurkas have defended crown and country for more than two centuries. I for one salute the Ghurkas cause. Wilfred Owen dismissed the merit of dying for one's country. To die for another's is a different matter altogether.

To read my blog on protests and open forum in London go to gripesofwrath.wordpress.com [0]