Government Looks Set to Smash Gurkha Justice Bill

8.54.13am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 7th May 2008

Lib Dem Leader Nick Clegg MP presented with Gurkha medals at a recent Gurkha Justice demonstration in Westminster [Picture: Alex Folkes / fishnik.com]

Immediately after Prime Ministers Questions on 7th May Bob Russell, Lib Dem MP for Colchester, will table a '10 minute rule Bill' that would allow Gurkhas who retired before 1997 the right to settle in the UK. This Bill is one of the results of the massive Gurkha protest held on 19th March 2008 during which some 50 Gurkha veterans handed back their medals as a sign of their frustration.

However, the Government has indicated that it will 'trash' the Bill by refusing to offer it support. All the Government has to do is get one of its members to answer the Bill with the word 'CONTESTED' and the Bill will be lost.

Shepway Gurkha campaigner Peter Carroll said:

"I am staggered that the Government has indicated that it will not support this Bill. On the 19th March, we organised a massive demonstration to highlight the fact that Gurkhas who retired before 1997 face deportation even if they have done 24 years in the British Army. People are just astonished that despite the fact that public opinion is massively on the side of the Gurkhas the Government fails to take notice and do the honourable thing. The Government insists in the non-sensical view that pre 1997 Gurkhas are not deserving of UK citizenship because they were based in Hong Kong. Everyone knows this made no difference to the loyalty, service and courage that they have given this country.'

Madam Gurung is a retired Gurkha who left the Army before the 1997 cut off date. His application to stay in the UK has been declined even though he served 24 years in the British Army and left with an EXEMPLARY record. He is awaiting news of his appeal. He is living on charitable handouts in a one room bedsit in Tonbridge, Kent. He is not allowed to work by UK law. All he wants to do is life in the country he was prepared to die for and work as a bus driver or a security guard.

Cllr Dhan Gurung, the first ever retired Gurkha to be elected to a British Council (representing Cheriton ward on Folkestone Town Council) said:

"There are about 1,000 ex Gurkhas like Madam. It will be heart-breaking if the Government dose not support this Bill. The hurt, anger and frustration are enormous. All these people did was serve Britain loyally and bravely. Soldiers from Commonwealth countries have been allowed citizenship after just 4 years service."

Peter Carroll added:

"The feelings are so deep on this issue that I now fear we will see more protest perhaps even including hunger strikes. I just can't believe that the Government will stare public opinion in the face and condemn these fine heroes to deportation."