Clegg: Government decision great victory for Gurkhas

Thu, 21 May 2009

Reacting to the Government’s announcement that all Gurkha veterans with four years' service would be allowed to move to the UK, Nick Clegg said he was “absolutely thrilled”.

The announcement outlined rules that will allow Gurkhas and their immediate families who retired before 1997 with four years service to settle here with.

Nick Clegg said; "I am absolutely thrilled that the Gurkhas have finally been given justice."

"This is a great victory for the Gurkhas and for everyone who has campaigned on their behalf."

"Gordon Brown has finally woken up to the principle that people across Britain understand instinctively: if someone is prepared to die for this country, they must be allowed to live in it."

The announcement follows a key House of Commons vote lead by the Liberal Democrats that the Government lost.

The Liberal Democrat Leader went on to say; "Tragically this decision will come too late for many of those brave Gurkhas who have been waiting so long to see justice done."

"Gordon Brown's claim of a ‘moral compass' rings hollow when, on every issue from Gurkhas to expenses, he has to be dragged every inch of the way towards doing the right thing."