I hope the Ministry of Defence will recruit more Gurkhas, says Leo Docherty MP

Leo said: "The Brigade of Gurkhas has given two centuries of courageous service to Queen and Country - I hope the Ministry of Defence will recruit more of them. Here's my question to the Secretary of State for Defence, today in the House of Commons."

The full transcript, from Hansard, is below:

Leo Docherty:

The Brigade of Gurkhas has given courageous and loyal service to this country for two centuries. Does the Minister agree that it would be a good idea for us to recruit more of them?

The Minister for the Armed Forces (Mark Lancaster):

I started my military career in the Brigade of Gurkhas, so I declare an interest in that I am biased for obvious reasons. My hon. Friend’s question is timely. We recruit once a year and recruited 400 Gurkhas last year, which is within our agreement with the Government of Nepal. I am travelling to Nepal later this week for further negotiations with the Nepali Government about the future use of Gurkhas.

You may also be interested in

Veterans' Pledge Petition

This petition, in support of The Sun's Veterans' Pledge, urges the Government to legislate to: 

1) create an Office of Veterans Affairs within the Cabinet Office, with a Cabinet-level Minister, to ensure world-class care and support for former Armed Forces personnel;