Gurkha `rules' anger

RYAN MERRIMAN

CAMPAIGNERS for the rights of Gurkha soliders have slammed new rules that have been introduced by the government.

Protesters have reacted angrily to `restrictive' new criteria that Gurkha soldiers must match to live in the UK.

Om Gurung, owner of the Crossed Khukris Gurkha Restaurant and former Regimental Sergeant Major, said that the announcement was a bit of a blow.

He said: "This has come as a bit of a blow for Gurkhas and campaigners in the area and these new rules have left us feeling very disappointed.

"It was something that we were not expecting at all, and even the public think that this is the wrong decision.

"I would like to thank everyone in Nuneaton and Bedworth, and also everyone around the United Kingdom who have offered their support for our campaign.

"They have been very supportive all the way along and it has been very much appreciated."

In September 2008, the government lost a case in the High Court over their treatment of Gurkha soldiers who wish to remain in the UK.

Local campaigners were delighted, imagining the government would heed the High Court ruling and start to treat Gurkha soldiers who had served their countries by the same rules as other Commonwealth soldiers.

Om Gurung, along with the help of Conservative parliamentary candidate for North Warwickshire and Bedworth Dan Byles, and Nuneaton-based leader of Warwickshire County Council Alan Farnell, campaigned for fair treatment for Gurkha soliders.

But they are sad with new rules published by the government which state that Gurkha soldiers must have served 20 years with the British Army, have close family in Britain, have been disabled by military service or honoured for bravery if they want to stay in the country.

Actress Joanna Lumley, who has campaigned tirelessly for Gurkha rights, said the government announcement made her ashamed of the administration.

Dan Byles said: "This announcement is a kick in the teeth for our brave and loyal Gurkha soldiers, who thought that their fight with this government was won in the High Court last year.

"If anyone has earned the right to remain in our country, it is these brave soldiers.

"I've served alongside Gurkhas at various times in my career, and there are no more loyal, hard working and cheerful soldiers in the British Army.

"They have faithfully servied our country for almost two centuries, performing numerous feats of valour, and they have been let down by the a government that has no experience or understanding of our superb armed forces.

"We will continue to fight for fair treatment for Gurkha soldiers. All we ask is that they have the same rights as soldiers from the Commonwealth. Why is the government so determined to mistreat these brave soldiers?"