Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of replacing the tripartite agreement governing Gurkha terms of service with a bilateral agreement; and if he will make a statement.

The Tri-Partite Agreement 1947 has not been replaced but continues to provide the formal basis for the employment of the Brigade of Gurkhas (BoG) within the British Army. Since 2007 Gurkhas have served on the same basis as the remainder of the British Army apart from specific requirements to maintain the unique position of the BoG.

The UK and Nepal share an exceptionally long and unique partnership. We are committed to deepening our strategic partnership with Nepal and delivering our shared security and prosperity interests.