Gurkhas: Blair promises action within weeks

The Daily Express yesterday reported that the campaign to grant British citizenship for the retired Gurkhas took a step forward on Tuesday when Tony Blair hinted he may be ready to drop the ban on Gurkha heroes remaining in Britain. He promised action within "weeks".

Tony Blair has indicated the the matter is being reviewed and has acknowledged that the issue needs to be looked at. The Home Office has also confirmed that an end is in sight.

Despite this apparent breakthrough, Peter Carroll, the Daily Express and the Gurkha Welfare Society are still encouraging people to continue supporting the campaign until the fight has been won. Please sign the petition on line at www.shepwaylibdems.org.uk/petitions/ or in the Daily Express.

The Daily Express on 2nd September was flooded with calls after it backed the campaign to win citizenship for the Gurkhas. Thousands of readers telephoned the Daily Express after they launched their phone vote - "Should the Gurkhas be given British Citizenship?"

The result was announced as an overwhelming YES, Gurkhas should be granted British citizenship, with 99% of the vote.