Retired Gurkhas are threatening to go on hunger strike such is their despair at the Government’s continual refusal to give them a right to stay in Britain.

The news emerged as a group of retired Nepalese soldiers and their families marched through Folkestone on Tuesday, making their voices heard.

Gurkhas who retired before 1997 are not allowed to remain in the UK and nor are their pensions worth as much. A judge ruled that the Government’s position was unfair last year, but nothing has yet been changed, to great dismay.

Folkestone town councillor Dhan Gurung, a former soldier with the 2nd Royal Gurkha Rifles, said: “We are prepared to spread this campaign to every town but if we cannot persuade the Government there will be a hunger strike by the veterans.

“They are suffering now and we have already lost nine veterans since September, waiting for justice.”

Folkestone man Dhan Limbu retired from the 10th Royal Gurkha Rifles as a Colour Sergeant after 18 years but is not allowed to work and is also not allowed to claim on benefits.

He told the Express: “We feel very, very disappointed. Life is difficult.

“Things are hard for me and all of my friends. We are not allowed to work and when you don’t have work you cannot get food.

“Everything is expensive and we have no housing benefit and we get no money from the Government.

“We depend on relatives and friends. We are very upset but still the Government does not give us the right to remain here.”

The protest down a freezing Sandgate Road attracted the attention of passers by and charity workers who shouted their support.

Cllr Gurung organised the protest to keep their voices heard.

“This is to keep nagging the Government,” he added. “In September the Royal Courts of Justice decided that the rules are unfair and on November 4 a House of Commons select committee called on the Government to take action to extend settlements rights.

“The British public supported us with a 250,000 signature petition we gave to the Prime Minister.

“Their continuing inaction is an insult to the British public, an insult to justice, and a insult to its loyal and brave soldiers.”

Folkestone Town Council wrote to Home Secretary Jacqui Smith nearly four months ago urging action, but it has never received a response.