AT long last our Government has done something to be proud of - although it had to be dragged kicking and screaming to it.

The new pension deal for the Gurkhas, brave and courageous soliders who help protect us, was long overdue.

Stephen Twigg, the Defence Minister, said: "There is no doubt in my mind it was the right thing to do, as a Government we have continually sought to ensure equality amongst our workforce in the UK" This all sounds very good, but when are they going to bring the rest of the workforce, who produce the wealth of this country, into line with all the MPs who get gold-plated pensions?

M Hawkins, Langley Park, Durham City.