Gurkhas granted settlement?

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Soldato
Joined
26 Dec 2005
Posts
19,841
I just got this response to an e-petition I signed ages ago. It seems that maybe it actually did some good for a change!

http://www.number10.gov.uk/Page19389

For many years, the Brigade of Gurkhas have shown bravery, commitment and dedication in serving this country, and continue to do so on operations today.

This Government has done more for Gurkhas than any other. It was the first Government to grant settlement to Gurkhas and the first to equalise pay and pensions, with over 6,000 former Gurkhas and their families already given the right to live in the UK. In April we took steps to increase the number of Gurkhas eligible to come to this country by 4,000 or, including families, 10,000 people.

The House of Commons has now expressed a clear view that all Gurkhas should be entitled to settle in the United Kingdom if that is what they wish.

This Government respects the will of the House of Commons and recognises the strong feeling and public support for this cause. Consequently, we have announced today that all former Gurkhas who served for longer than four years will be eligible to apply for settlement in the United Kingdom. They will also be entitled to bring their spouses and dependent minor children. There will be no time limit on applications.

This scheme recognises the unique nature of the service given to the UK by the Brigade of Gurkhas and is offered to them on an exceptional basis.

We believe that in announcing the new policy today, we have met their concerns and those of Parliament.
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i got an email too

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
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Greenlizard0 said:
Boo, no email for me. I did get a reply about Phorm though recently..

But yes, great news. :)
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Yeah, me too. Was expecting that one to get fobbed off though!

Good news for the Gurkhas! I do wonder though how much the MPs are trying to placate the people, what with the current finances scandal.
 
Dolph said:
Great news, shame it's taken so long to do something so obviously right.
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Damn right.

The Gurkhas have fought and died for the British for 200 years and the least we can do is give them residency.

If it costs 1.2 billion then it costs it and I for one am a taxpayer that would not blink at that and shame on Gordon Brown's U-turn does nothing to appease my utter disdain for him and his government for even considering deportation in the first place.
 
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