Gurkhas win right to settle in UK

[DGP1]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8060607.stm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
All Gurkha veterans who retired before 1997 with at least four years' service will be allowed to settle in the UK, Home Secretary Jacqui Smith has said.

Ms Smith told MPs she was "proud to offer this country's welcome to all who have served in the brigade of Gurkhas".

It comes after a high-profile campaign by Joanna Lumley and other supporters of Gurkha rights - and an embarrassing Commons defeat for the Government.

Some 36,000 Gurkhas who left before 1997 had been denied UK residency.

Actress Joanna Lumley, who has campaigned on behalf of the Gurkhas, said: "This is the welcome we have always longed to give."

She called Prime Minister Gordon Brown, who she had met earlier, a "brave man who has made today a brave decision on behalf of the bravest of the brave".

'Sacrifice and distinction'

Shadow home secretary Chris Grayling said the U-turn by the government was a "great victory for a well-run campaign, that has publicly embarrassed ministers".

Ms Smith's statement was greeted by cheers from MPs.

She told the Commons: "I'm delighted that we have now been able to agree - across Government, across the House and with the Gurkhas' representatives - new settlement rights that all those who have served us so well, so highly deserve."

Ms Smith added that the Gurkhas had served the UK "with great courage, sacrifice and distinction and they continue to make a vital and valued contribution to our operations around the world".

The prime minister suffered a shock Commons defeat on the issue, forcing ministers to reconsider existing rules on how many Gurkhas can settle in the UK.

It was followed by an extraordinary piece of Westminster theatre when Ms Lumley came face-to-face with minister Phil Woolas in BBC studios and quickly won public assurances over future policy at an impromptu joint press conference.

At Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday, Mr Brown told the House of Commons that he had a "great deal of sympathy and support" for the Gurkhas.

He added: "I believe it is possible for us to honour our commitments to the Gurkhas and to do so in a way that protects the public finances."

[stokes11eg]

just watched this on the News. my Dad fought with these brave men,and I'd just like to say hurrah!!

[Pinky 1]

About time this inept government did something right.
Just a pity it took them so long to come to their senses ......

[Broxi51]

About time this inept government did something right.
Just a pity it took them so long to come to their senses ......

It wasnt about them doing something right. The t*ts had no other choice otherwise they would have tried to weasel their way out. Congratulation to Miss Lumley and all the brave Gurkhas and red faces yet again to messrs Brown and co.

[rhino49]

They are most welcome to be here - delighted to see the news - these guys and their families will enhance the quality of life in this country and set a good example to others

[IWW Fellow Worker]

They are most welcome to be here - delighted to see the news - these guys and their families will enhance the quality of life in this country and set a good example to others

I had the good fortune to spend a couple of weeks with the Gurkhas when I was in the TA. They're great people and I believe you will be proved correct.

[Lounge Lizard]

Two questions ;
If the tories are so keen to back Lumley on this, why didn't they give the Gurkhas these rights when they were in power ?
What is the BNP's attitude to this, seeing them as patriotic to Britain or of a race not welcome here ?

[DGP1]

FFS don't start the BNP thing again

Anyway, the Tories are point scoring and following popular opinion that the Gurkhas should be allowed to stay if they fought for this country (and not try to use a loop hole about them being staioned in Hong Kong not the UK).

[prowler]

Yes I agree with the previous postings. Any chance Joanna Lumley could get on the ' Stop privatising the RM' bandwagon then we would all be home and dry?
Anybody who fights for this country deserves to stay here, unlike those who won't or will even fight against us!!

[dvbuk55]

I served with two Gurkha units, they are truly remarkable soldiers, I was proud to have served with them and am glad they have been rewarded for both their loyalty and bravery - even the conditions in which they were housed was inferior and you felt shame that they were not treated equally in many things - but I never heard them complain.

[Lounge Lizard]

FFS don't start the BNP thing again

Anyway, the Tories are point scoring and following popular opinion that the Gurkhas should be allowed to stay if they fought for this country (and not try to use a loop hole about them being staioned in Hong Kong not the UK).

No, it's a serious question. The Gurkha issue must have been quite a dilemma for those BNP bigots.

[heapsy]

Great news, even if it came after a massive climb down by Liebour. Once went to the camp of the 7th Gurkha Rifles in Hampshire, years ago. Very impessive they were too.