Should Gurkhas have the right to settle in the UK?

[Mark]

Yes.

There is no argument against it (at all).

Gurkhas up in arms over Home Office treachery

Gurkha veterans accused the Government of betrayal yesterday after the Home Office issued new rules that would allow only a small number of the former soldiers to settle in Britain.

Under the new Home Office ruling, ex-Gurkhas must meet specific criteria before being allowed to settle in Britain. These can include medals for bravery, service of more than 20 years or a serious medical condition linked to their time in uniform.

Specific criteria? Specific criteria? What, like putting your life on the line for the UK away from your family for the best part of 22 years?...

How absolutely spineless are this government?

[Lasting Designs]

Originally Posted by Mark

Yes.

There is no argument against it (at all).

Gurkhas up in arms over Home Office treachery



Specific criteria? Specific criteria? What, like putting your life on the line for the UK away from your family for the best part of 22 years?...

How absolutely fucking spineless are this government?

No ifs, no buts, this government is shameful, a disgraceful decision, I'm sure the public opinion will win the day for them.

[Mark]

Gurkha Justice Campaign - Please sign.

facebook Group - Please join.

http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/justice4gurkhas/ - Please sign.

[1clickprint]

without a doubt !

[tej]

Originally Posted by Mark

Yes.

There is no argument against it (at all).

Gurkhas up in arms over Home Office treachery



Specific criteria? Specific criteria? What, like putting your life on the line for the UK away from your family for the best part of 22 years?...

How absolutely spineless are this government?

Agree a million percent. The Govt are spineless. They would rather have the out of work, unskilled, never do wells, coming into this country.. and dole out benefits for free.
These guys do not have to prove their bravery with medals and all that junk. How many of them have given up their lives in the service of this country.. they were there when we needed them.
What a disgraceful state of affairs.

[AboveParr]

I've got my email from Joanna Lumley...

[UKSEOagency]

that is rediculous!

How many immigrants per year do we accept into the country on grounds of every other excuse under the sun!

They have served queen and country, in my opinion, as long as they have been on an active mission then they deserve there place here!

[OldWelshGuy]

It is disgusting the way successive governments have treated soldiers who have fought for the very freedom that allows politicians to become elected to office!

Maybe we should refuse the right to live here to Politicians, and bring all the gurkhas in to live in the second homes of the MP's

[Mark]

From email circular:

As you may know, on Friday, the Government badly let down the Gurkhas. The new rules they have announced will exclude the huge majority of ex-Gurkhas who retired before 1997 from claiming citizenship in this country. They've given five bullet points that virtually cannot be met by the ordinary Gurkha soldier.

It is so obvious that the treatment of the Gurkhas has been a great injustice. To treat them like this is despicable.

The strong reaction by the public and press should show the Government that they simply cannot get away with this outrage.

I'm ashamed of our adminstration. We will be challenging this decision in the courts and in Parliament. We will not stop now.

This is not a party political campaign: it's simply one for justice. I am so grateful though for immediate support from MPs from all Parties, including amongst others Conservative leader David Cameron and Lib Dem Leader Nick Clegg.

Nick Clegg has agreed to put a vote to Parliament this Wednesday calling for a fair deal for Gurkhas. This vote on its own won't change the Government's ruling, but would be an overwhelming signal to the Government that they need to think again.

We need all MPs that support the Gurkha justice cause to turn up and vote for a proper deal for Gurkhas on Wednesday. Can I ask that you take a couple of minutes right now to ask your MP to do so?

You can send a message to your MP directly at TheyWorkForYou.com: Are your MPs and Peers working for you in the UK's Parliament? - please ask them to support the Gurkha Justice motion on Wednesday.

On Wednesday, there will also be a Gurkha Justice rally and protest against the Government's decision, starting at noon in Old Palace Yard, Westminster. Many MPs have already committed to support the vote and join me and others at the rally. I know it's awfully short notice, but if you can, please do come along as well to add your support.

If you can pass on this message to others as well that would be fabulous - and if they sign up to Gurkha Justice Campaign we can keep in touch with them directly in future.

Lastly, again, thank you so much for your support. It means so much to us. I spoke today to Lt Madan Kumar Gurung, who has been at the forefront of the campaign since it began. He said to me that he has no fear for the Gurkhas any more, as he knows the loving hearts of the British people will not let them down. With your support we won't.

With warmest good wishes,

Joanna Lumley
Gurkha Justice Campaign

[S4ICT]

Yes 1000% - This is just another complete and utter disgrace from this failing government. It if perfectly fine for the whole of europe to flood into the country and take up residence, many of whom contribute nothing to the economy or society (though many do it must be noted).

Yet for an age these men have fought with a british heart for queen and country and for the freedom of every one of us. Only to be betrayed in this way.. It is only on a rare occasion I can say I am ashamed to be British, but this is one of them because WE voted them in.

Brown and Co, sort yourselves out and get your priorities straight....

Phil

[Mark]

Labour = racist, classist cowards:

BBC NEWS | UK | Fury over Gurkha settlement plan

Immigration Minister Phil Woolas denied he had betrayed the Gurkhas, adding: "This improves the situation."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8016242.stm



http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8023882.stm

MPs voted by 267 to 246 in favour of a Lib Dem motion that all Gurkhas be offered an equal right of residence.

246 said no?

A 'result' at least. Now looking forward to the total demise of this 'so-called' government in 2010.

[tej]

Originally Posted by Mark

MPs voted by 267 to 246 in favour of a Lib Dem motion that all Gurkhas be offered an equal right of residence.

246 said no?

A 'result' at least. Now looking forward to the total demise of this 'so-called' government in 2010.

Most of the 246 are probably brainwashed.. and are arse lickers looking for a slice of the cake at some stage.

Pity we will never know the identities.

At least they won't stand and be counted

Gutless scum..

[AboveParr]

I wrote to my MP to ask him to vote in favour, here is an extract from the response...

"I am afraid that I will be unable to vote. I assure you this is not because of any lack of respect for the Gurkas or the armed forces but I will be at a meeting of Transport Ministers in the Czech Republic, a long-standing appointment in my diary and one of my duties as Secretary of State for Transport."

Given that the rest of his letter explained how reasonable The govt are about the whole thing, I've written back today as follows...

"It would appear you weren't needed, so your duties to Mr Brown didn't interfere with your duties to your constituents this time.

I for one will be considering which of those duties is more important to me at the next election..."

I've sent a copy to the Gurkha campaign, I hope it makes them smile...

[tej]

I got an email back too!.. slightly different

"Thank you for contacting Mr Horam regarding the Gurkha debate which took place in the Commons yesterday. I am pleased to inform you that the Government have been defeated on their proposals to restrict the right of former Gurkhas to settle in the UK. MPs voted by 267 to 246 in favour of the motion that all Gurkhas should be offered an equal right of residence. David Cameron has said it was an 'historic day'."

I would hope that things are going the right way.

The Gurkhas MUST be given the right of residence. THey have earned it..

[Emma]

Looks like they can at least apply to stay

At midday today, Home Secretary Jacqui Smith made the announcement to the House of Commons that the Gurkha Justice Campaign have been fighting for for years. All ex-Gurkhas who have served more than 4 years in the British Army will have the right to settle in the UK if they wish.

After such a long fight, with huge ups and downs, this is a superb announcement.

We simply would not have won this fight without the massive, overwhelming support of all those who have supported our campaign. To the hundreds of thousands of people who have signed Gurkha Justice petitions, lobbied their MP, campaigned, attended rallies and marches - thank you so much to you all. This is your victory. It would not have happened without you.

The Government has now responded to that campaign after court cases, votes in Parliament, a huge media campaign and, most importantly, massive public support. I am delighted, and humbled, at what has been achieved by our remarkable team.

The whole campaign has been based on the belief that those who have fought and been prepared to die for our country should have the the right to live in our country. We owe them a debt of honour - a debt that will now be paid.

With warmest good wishes,

Joanna
Gurkha Justice Campaign

[AdamW]

Good news

[bobpilk]

Originally Posted by OldWelshGuy

Maybe we should refuse the right to live here to Politicians, and bring all the gurkhas in to live in the second homes of the MP's

thats the best idea Ive heard for years, you propose it and Ill second it

[Emma]

Go on someone do it!

[AdamW]

Happy to third it

[UKSEOagency]

this country needs a severe reform of the politics.

Sack the lot of them and get some one in who cares for great britain and not just lining there own pockets!