I WAS disgusted to read that the Gurkhas who fought for us during the Second World War and in several conflicts since can only stay in this country for a couple of years whilst asylum seekers if they claim asylum could get indefinite leave to stay.

I served alongside the Gurkhas in Malaya. They were brave fighters and totally loyal to this country at the front of all conflict. Many at the moment are working for a private security firm to detect illegal immigrants smuggled into Britain from France. For all their loyalty to this country they can't stop and they get an army pension of £68 a month - a sixth of a regular soldier's.

We should reward these people properly and consider them as British. Come on Jack Straw, talk to your colleagues and give the Gurkhas the right to stay here as equals.

RAY GEDDES, Pickering Fold, Blackburn.