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Newcastle upon Tyne Liberal DemocratsWorking and winning for Newcastle |
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GURKHAS WIN RIGHT TO STAY IN UK
May 21, 2009 8:26 PM
All Gurkha veterans who retired before 1997 with at least four years' service will be allowed to settle in the UK.
The Government U-turn comes after a high-profile campaign by Joanna Lumley and other supporters of Gurkha rights - and an embarrassing Commons defeat for Gordon Brown.
Some 36,000 Gurkhas who left before 1997 had been denied UK residency.
Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg said: "I am absolutely thrilled that the Gurkhas have finally been given justice.
"This is a great victory for the Gurkhas and for everyone who has campaigned on their behalf.
"Gordon Brown has finally woken up to the principle that people across Britain understand instinctively: if someone is prepared to die for this country, they must be allowed to live in it."
The announcement follows a key House of Commons vote lead by the Liberal Democrats that the Government lost.
The Liberal Democrat leader added: "Tragically this decision will come too late for many of those brave Gurkhas who have been waiting so long to see justice done.
"Gordon Brown's claim of a 'moral compass' rings hollow when, on every issue from Gurkhas to expenses, he has to be dragged every inch of the way towards doing the right thing."
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