Backbench BusinessThursday, 26 March 2026

General Debate on support for Gurkha veterans

Debate chosen by backbench MPs

A backbench debate on support for Gurkha veterans, sponsored by Liberal Democrat MP Cameron Thomas. The debate will discuss welfare, benefits, and support services available to former Gurkha soldiers who served in the British Army, examining whether current provisions are adequate and what additional measures may be needed.

Gurkha veterans are a distinct veteran cohort with unique service histories and often face barriers accessing UK benefits and healthcare despite their military service. This debate raises awareness of their needs and may influence government policy on veteran support, particularly for servicemembers from Commonwealth nations.

Defence & Security Social Care

MPs most likely to speak

Cameron ThomasIndependent

Tewkesbury

Debate sponsor/lead member (calendar Members field)Voting record

Wendy MortonConservative and Unionist Party

Aldridge-Brownhills

Shadow Foreign — portfolio topic overlap (35pts); Spoken on defence, social-care (21 times, 30pts); Known positions: defence: opposed, defence: supportive, defence: questioning (30pts)Voting record

Priti PatelConservative and Unionist Party

Witham

Shadow Foreign — portfolio topic overlap (35pts); Spoken on defence, social-care (21 times, 30pts); Known positions: defence: opposed, defence: questioning (20pts)Voting record

Richard FoordLiberal Democrats

Honiton and Sidmouth

Spoken on defence, social-care (32 times, 40pts); Known positions: defence: opposed, defence: questioning (20pts); Committee: foreign affairs committee (20pts)Voting record

Mr Hamish FalconerLabour Party

Lincoln

Parliamentary Under-Secretary — portfolio topic overlap (35pts); Spoken on defence (8 times, 20pts); Known positions: defence: supportive, defence: neutral (20pts)Voting record

General Debate on support for Gurkha veterans

MPs most likely to speak

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