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Thursday 21 May 2009
Justice4gurkhas - epetition response
We received a petition asking:
“We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to allow all Gurkhas who have fought for our country and their families the right to stay in the U.K. regardless of when they served in the Army.”
Details of Petition:
“For over 200 years the Gurkhas have served our country and helped keep us safe. Over 45,000 died for us during the 2 world wars. The government is still refusing to let these brave men and their families stay in the country they have fought for. Please sign the petition to get justice for all Gurkhas no matter how long they served for or when. These people are an asset to our country and should have every right to live here.”
· Read the petition
· Petitions homepage
Read the Government’s response
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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Latest Commentary
DowningStreet: All former Gurkhas and families given right to apply for settlement in the UK - read Home Secretary's statement at http://tinyurl.com/pampqc
21 May 2009 12:22:45
DowningStreet: Watch a replay of today's and previous Prime Minister's Questions in our dedicated player - http://tinyurl.com/d7h454
20 May 2009 15:41:49
DowningStreet: Prime Minister's Questions now streaming live via our website - go to http://www.number10.gov.uk
20 May 2009 12:10:58
DowningStreet: @smartsundri The Speaker falls under the jurisdiction of Parliament, not Number 10. Like MPs' expenses, this is a matter for @UKParliament.
19 May 2009 12:39:23
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