Gurkhas win right to stay in UK

[Patrick]

Gurkhas win right to stay in UK

Actress Joanna Lumley was among those campaigning for the Gurkhas
A group of retired Gurkhas fighting for the right to settle in Britain have won their immigration test case at London's High Court. They were challenging immigration rules which said that those who retired from the British Army before 1997 did not have an automatic right to stay. Prominent supporter actress Joanna Lumley said it was a "chance to right a great wrong".

The government said it would now review all Gurkhas' cases.

The five ex-Gurkhas involved in the test case were L/Cpl Gyanendra Rai, Deo Prakash Limbu, Cpl Chakra Limbu, L/Cpl Birendra Shrestha and Bhim Gurung. Gita Mukhiya also took part on behalf her deceased husband. Gurkhas have been part of the British Army for almost 200 years and are hand picked from a fiercely contested recruitment contest in Nepal to win the right to join. They have seen combat all over the world, with 200,000 fighting in the two world wars.

Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said in a statement that the Home Office would revise its guidance surrounding the 1997 cut-off date. "I have always been clear that where there is a compelling case, soldiers and their families should be considered for settlement," she said. "We will honour our commitment to the Gurkhas by reviewing all cases by the end of the year."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7644441.stm

[Ste Preece]

This has always been a bone of contention for me and I am absolutely delighted to hear that this will be further discussed with a fair view of allowing the Gurkhas to remain in the UK. These men are great soldiers and men of honour, who, although from another land, serve this country with distinction.

They have earned the right to stay in the UK and live here after there service. They shouldn't have to fight for this, it should be a formality.

It’s a pity the government don't do something similar for all the other non British people, they allow into the country. These types of people haven't earned the right, but most often seem to be granted it!!!


Cheers

Steve

[Fusilier]

What a way to reward brave, loyal men.

Funny that we always have room for people who have no connection to this country and have contributed nothing. What a funny old world.

Sorry no home for you Mr Gurkha and your family, we gave the last 7 bedroom house alway to some Afgan's.

[terryrat]

Room only for terrorists cant breach their human rights now can we. The w@#k ers that bring these crap rules in should be brought to boot bloody pc merchants

[anglo-saxon]

These brave men have always been insulted left right and centre.

One of the most decent guys I ever met was my climbing partner on a course in Scotlad in '88: S/Sgt Bakta Bahada Rai. He hadn't been home for almost three years and was due some leave (I'd say he was!!). What's one of the first things he does when he gets to Nepal? He writes to me and tell's me all about how his family is doing! What an absolute gent! Bless him, wherever he is.

Oh, and for the record: Any cause championed by "Purdy" is fine by me!!

[Techowiz]

Only in the UK would this nonsense be allowed.
This Government are not fit to lick these brave soldiers boots.

[kev101]

These men deserve more!

[Macleod]

What a way to reward brave, loyal men.

Funny that we always have room for people who have no connection to this country and have contributed nothing. What a funny old world.

Sorry no home for you Mr Gurkha and your family, we gave the last 7 bedroom house alway to some Afgan's.

Couldn't have said it better myself, wise words fusilier!

[EagleEyes]

About time!!

[StevieA]

And so they should. Unlike the majority that seem to be crossing our borders on a daily basis, these guys actually stand and fight for us, our country and everything we stand for. The least we can do is grant them sanctuary. It's almost embarrassing that these guys had to 'fight' for their rights, they should have been handed them automatically Unlike every other benefit scrounging sponge that comes here to bleed our economy dry, they do f*ck all and and have every wish and demand granted . It's good to see their bravery and hard work finally being rewarded.

I take my hat off to them and wish them all the best.

[StevieA]

Edit: Double post.

[Paddysprat]

Finally, today saw justice for the Gurkhas.

Congratulations to 'The Gurkha Justice Campaign' team and Joanna Lumley the face of the campaign for all there tenacious work.

[peter7]

Lets hope that this means an improved treatment for British troops too!