Thousands of Gurkhas have demonstrated outside the High Court in London, joined by two of their most high-profile supporters.

On Tuesday, human rights lawyers Howe and Co began a class action against the Government on behalf of 2,000 Gurkhas, who were refused the right to settle in Britain, despite serving in the country’s army.

The right had been denied them, along with a full pension, as they retired before 1997, when the regiments left Hong Kong and came to Britain.

Gurkhas from across the UK, including coach loads from Folkestone, made a stand outside the court to show their feelings.

Actress Joanna Lumley’s father served with a Gurkha regiment during the Second World War, at one point becoming involved in an action that led to Tul Bahadur Pun winning the Victoria Cross. She stood with the Gurkhas outside the Royal Courts of Justice, along with Born Free Foundation trustee and actress Virginia McKenna, whose late husband Bill Travers was a major with the Gurkhas in Malaya and Burma.

Miss Lumley said: “This is one of the most important days for the retired Gurkhas and the history of our long and honourable association with them. I hope that we will no longer be stuck with this law that discriminates against the Gurkhas.”

Folkestone Gurkha Gopal Giri was hoping to find a seat in court to hear the case, which should reach a verdict within a month. He said: “This is so important because of our 200 colleagues who are waiting here already and their applications are at the Home Office. The rules are very strict; without the status we are seeking they will not be able to work, and without work...”