Delight at Gurkha Success

Lib Dem Campaigner Peter Carroll has reacted with delight to the news that retired Gurkha soldiers are to be allowed to apply for British citizenship. Peter was a leading figure in the lengthy and high profile campaign that saw the issue reach the national press, national radio and TV, the floor of the House of Commons, the national Lib Dem conference at Bournemouth and 10 Downing Street.

Peter Carroll said, 'About 8 weeks ago a group of retired Gurkhas visited me at home and told me of their plight. Soon after the meeting, one of their colleagues was actually deported from Britain. In frustration, he had applied for Asylum. His application failed and he was deported. The Gurkhas have a very special place in our history. I was ashamed that our Country treated them so badly. If they are good enough to fight for us, they are good enough to live with us'.

It is estimated that there are about 500-600 retired Gurkhas living in the UK who will now be able to apply for citizenship. The announcement was not all good news. The new ruling only applies to Gurkhas who were discharged after 1997. About 100 former Gurkhas are living in the UK who were discharged before that date. There is a risk that these Gurkhas will not be able to stay here.

Peter Carroll said, 'This cut off date is unfair and unjust. It is petty. It will cause severe worry to the 100 or so people affected. There is some hope that the Government will show some 'flexiblity' - I hope so. I will continue to help the Gurkhas to win this second battle.'

Peter added, 'I would like to thank all the hundreds and hundreds of people from all across the UK that have helped win this great victory for these fine people.'

Ends