Plans to cut 400 Gurkhas from the armed forces have been called ‘disrespectful’ by the local Folkestone and Hythe Labour Party and they are planning a protest against the Government decision to slash their jobs.

As news was announced on Tuesday of 4,200 compulsory redundancies from the armed forces, it was met with strong opposition by the Labour Party in Folkestone, the town where most of the Gurkhas are based.

The redundancies were described as 'devastating for the local community in Folkestone' by Peter Wallace, Labour Party Secretary.

“I live beside the barracks and our community is based on the strong links between the Gurkhas and the people that live in Sandgate. Trying to imagine our town without the Gurkhas would be a tragedy. They are known worldwide for their loyalty and courage. For the government to pay them back in this way is a gross injustice," he said.

Until a high profile campaign for equality in 2009, led by Peter Carroll and Joanna Lumley, Gurkhas were traditionally paid less than their British born counterparts and received a pension at least six times smaller. Since that change most Gurkhas have received equal pay and conditions, though that success seems to have been short lived.

"Where is the evidence to say the Gurkhas need to be cut by almost 10%?" asked Peter Wallace.

The Folkestone and Hythe Labour Party has announced they will be writing to the Defence Secretary, Philip Hammond, to provide evidence that the cuts are justified and in line with the conditions laid out in the ‘Military Covenant’ published in 2000. The party will also be writing to Damian Collins MP and local Councillors, asking them to object to the cuts and intervene in the government’s decision.

"It will be incredibly hard for the Gurkhas and their families at a time when unemployment has just risen to 2.68 million people. It is also a massive blow to the prospects of the local community, as local businesses survive on the support of the soldiers who live in Folkestone. Our town will suffer, the Gurkhas and their families will suffer, and it will send an awful message to the people back home in Nepal that the British government doesn’t care.

"It will be a sad day when the Gurkhas, who are cheered as they parade through the streets of Folkestone on Remembrance Day, queue up at the job centre for work. The Con-Dem government should be hanging their heads in shame," Mr Wallace said.

The Folkestone and Hythe Labour Labour Party is in discussion with local groups to organise a protest against the cuts at the Shorncliffe Barracks in Folkestone.

© Hawkinge Gazette and Channel Coast News 2012