Are the Gurkhas a special case? Your Say.

CONSERVATIVE Parliamentary candidate Paul Bristow is among the supporters calling for the retired Gurkhas to receive better pensions and the right to live in the UK (Glad They're On Our Side, 08.05.09). This is rubbish.

If we opened our doors to everyone who ever fought alongside us almost all of Europe, with the exception of the Swiss and Germans, would be clogging up our housing waiting lists.

When the Gurkhas join the British Army they get fantastic wages that their countrymen back in Nepal can only dream of, and sign up in the sure knowledge that when they retire, home they go, like all paid mercenaries.

Perhaps in the future they can take financial advice from the well heeled actress Joanna Lumley, who is never out of the media with her tired, boring arguments in support of them.

JOE WELLTHORPE, North Ormesby * * * * * * I WAS disgusted to hear how the Government at one point refused permission for the Gurkhas to stay in this country, after fighting for over 100 years alongside our troops, who also do a fantastic job.

The Government have allowed thousands of so-called asylum seekers and refugees into this country, they are given everything on a plate, and haven't earned the right to live here. The Gurkhas have earned the right to all the benefits this country can offer them.

BILLY CHARLTON, Thorntree, Middlesbrough