Defence minister Kevan Jones today apologised for allegedly slurring Gurkha campaigner Joanna Lumley - moments before the former actress angrily hit back at his claims.

Mr Jones said his only concern had been to stop middle-men "ripping off vulnerable ex-Gurkhas" trying to move to the UK.

He'd claimed there had been a "deathly silence" from Ms Lumley since her successful campaign to win settlement rights for Gurkhas, and that some of the advice being given to veterans was misleading.

Speaking today before a protest outside parliament, Ms Lumley said: "We've come here, really, almost with a sense of regret, that we've had to come to this, which is really, clearing our names in public.

"Over the past month or so, articles have been appearing which must have put doubt into the hearts of all the people who supported the Gurkha justice campaign last year and the wonderful policy which was won for retired Gurkhas to be allowed the right to come and settle in this country.

Audio: Peter Carroll speaking to kmfm

A parliamentary inquiry is looking into allegations that the soldiers are being encouraged to pay hundreds of pounds in voluntary donations to veterans' organisations in Nepal which then refer them on to UK solicitors.