Retired Gurkhas must now be allowed to become British citizens - Clegg

Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg has welcomed the High Court ruling condemning the Government's policy of deporting retired Gurkhas and called on ministers to now give all retired Gurkhas the right to become British citizens.

Nick Clegg said:

"This ruling rightly condemns the Government's shameful decision to deny these veterans the right to live here and gain British citizenship after years of service and distinguished conduct.

"The Government must now allow all Gurkhas who risked their lives serving in our armed forces to become British citizens.

"If someone is prepared to die for our country they should have the right to live in our country."

Nick Clegg has repeatedly raised the treatment of the Gurkhas with Gordon Brown at Prime Minister's Questions. On Wednesday 19th March, 2008, 50 Gurkhas handed their military medals to Nick Clegg to pass on to Gordon Brown, in protest at their treatment.