It’s Absolutely Fabulous!

Government defeated as Parliament votes for Gurkha Justice

5th May 2009

Edward Davey, Joanna Lumley meet the Gurkhas

Edward Davey MP joined Gurkhas, Joanna Lumley and hundreds of local people in celebrating the Liberal Democrat victory in Parliament for justice for ex-British army Gurkha soldiers.

Gurkhas who served in the British Army after 1997 are permitted to live in Britain, but those who retired before 1997cluding some of the most highly-decorated veterans of conflicts - including the Second World War - are not under current Government rules.

Campaigners had hoped that last year’s High Court ruling stating it was unlawful to prevent retired Gurkhas from remaining in the UK would cause the Government to change their position. Yet under new rules proposed by the the Labour Government, only Gurkhas with at least 10 years' service would have been eligible to come to Britain. Other Commonwealth nationals serving with the British Armed Forces can apply after only four years.

Edward Davey MP has been campaigning on this issue for several years and earlier this year met with Gurkha Campaigners, and actress Joanna Lumley to discuss the issue and offer his support.

Following the victory in vote in the House of Commons Edward Davey MP commented:

“This is a fantastic victory for the Gurkhas who have bravely fought for our country and deserve to be able to live and work here. They fought for this country and must be allowed to live here.

“The Government must listen to Parliament and scrap these shameful rules immediately and grant justice without conditions to all retired Gurkhas.”

Notes

1. The Liberal Democrat motion in Parliament that won:

That this House condemns the Government’s recent statement outlining the eligibility criteria for Gurkhas to reside in the United Kingdom; recognises the contribution the Gurkhas have made to the safety and freedom of the United Kingdom for the past 200 years; notes that more Gurkhas have laid down their lives for the United Kingdom than are estimated to want to live here; believes that Gurkhas who retired before 1997 should be treated fairly and in the same way as those who have retired since; is concerned that the Government’s new guidelines will permit only a small minority of Gurkhas and their families to settle whilst preventing the vast majority; further believes that people who are prepared to fight and die for the United Kingdom should be entitled to live here; and calls upon the Government to withdraw its new guidelines immediately and bring forward revised proposals that extend an equal right of residence to all Gurkhas.

2. Gurkhas have served Britain since 1815, winning many battle honours, e.g., 26 Victoria Crosses.

3. Joanna Lumley’s father served for 30 years with 6th Gurkha Rifles