LIB DEM VICTORY FOR THE GURKHAS

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 29th Apr 2009

LIB DEM VICTORY FOR THE GURKHAS

29th April 2009

Liberal Democrats have defeated the Government to secure the right of Gurkhas who fought for this country to remain here.

Durham's Labour MP shamefully voted with Gordon Brown to restrict the rights of those who put their lives on the line in service of our country.

The Liberal Democrats inflicted the first major Parliamentary defeat on Gordon Brown with their motion which called for the right of residency to be granted to all retired Gurkhas.

Lib Dem Leader Nick Clegg said, "This is a historic victory for the Gurkhas who have served our country so bravely.

"People who are willing to die for our country, should be allowed to live in our country.

"The Government must listen to Parliament and scrap these shameful rules immediately and grant justice without conditions to all retired Gurkhas."

Lib Dem Parliamentary Spokesperson for Durham, Carol Woods said, "It is truly shameful that Durham's MP voted to deny the rights of people who put their lives at risk to protect this country.

"She has put her loyalty to Gordon Brown ahead of basic decency.

These Gurkhas have served this country and now, in their old age, they be allowed to live here if they wish. Our MP's attempt to deny them that right is utterly dishonourable and I am delighted that we have managed to defeat her and her party."