KEETCH WELCOMES GOVERNMENT'S DECISION ON GURKHAS

1.05.36pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 22nd May 2009

MP for Hereford, Paul Keetch, welcomed the Government's decision on Thursday 21 May to grant all Gurkhas, who served for more than four years post 1948, residency in the United Kingdom.

Mr Keetch speaking during the Home Secretary's Ministerial Statement on the Gurkhas asked the Home Secretary whether dependents of deceased Gurkhas would also be entitled to residency rights. The Home Secretary replied that at the moment only those dependents of Gurkhas killed in active service would be entitled to residency, although the legislation was flexible and could be judged on a case by case basis.

Commenting Mr Keetch said, "It is a great day to see that these brave soldiers who have fought with such valour and loyalty to this country will finally be rewarded with residency in the United Kingdom. They're willing to sacrifice their lives and we must treat them with the respect they deserve.

"I'm glad that the Government respected the decision of the Commons after the Liberal Democrat motion was passed and called for equal rights for all Gurkhas. It is the least they deserved and I am proud that our Party was at the forefront of fighting for equal rights for all Gurkhas."

ENDS