Defense Secretary Geoff Hoon

LONDON: British Defense Secretary Geoff Hoon has announced a review of the rights of Gurkhas serving in the British armed forces.

He told lawmakers that the review would look at whether differences between their conditions and those of British soldiers were “absolutely justifiable.” He added: “We want to ensure that the Ministry of Defense’s position, both legally and morally, is beyond reproach.”

The move follows disputes including the right to married quarters, pensions and the right of abode in Britain. In November, Gurkhas had threatened legal action against alleged bias.

Discrimination was all the more irrational, they said, given that some of them were now to receive the right of abode.

They also say that Commonwealth soldiers –– notably from Fiji, where the army is recruiting –– enjoy the same conditions as British troops.

Prime Minister Tony Blair said in October that Gurkhas with more than four years’ service and who retired after 1997 would be allowed to stay in Britain. Gurkhas also argue that Commonwealth soldiers get five times their pension, even if both have the right of abode.

Phil Shiner of Public Interest Lawyers, who acts for the Gurkha Army Ex-Servicemen’s Organization, said he was confident the review signals the end of all discrimination and that the ministry will now treat them with the respect they deserve.