Supporting the Gurkhas' right for justice (Canterbury & Whitstable Liberal Democrats)

Canterbury & Whitstable Liberal Democrats <info@cantlibdem.org.uk>

Supporting the Gurkhas' right for justice

October 14, 2008 10:00 AM

Canterbury residents and visitors to the city are being asked to support the right of all Gurkhas to stay in the UK. At present, only Gurkhas who retired after 1997 are legally entitled to stay in the UK, despite their service to the British crown. Last month, the High Court ruled this regulation was discriminatory and has required the government to rewrite the guidance in the next three months.

To help to put pressure on the government to change the law to give all retired the right to settle in the UK, campaigners for Gurkha rights will be asking people in Canterbury to sign a petition to be presented to the Prime Minister by Joanna Lumley in November. Campaigners, including retired Gurkhas, will be in Canterbury High Street on Saturday 18th October from 9.30am with petition forms.

"Gurkha soldiers have given nearly 200 years service to protect our country and our way of life. The very least we should do is give them the right to stay in this country," said Guy Voizey, parliamentary spokesman for Canterbury and Whitstable Liberal Democrats. "An easy way people can show their support for this good cause is by signing the petition either on Saturday in Canterbury High Street or online at www.gurkhajustice.org.uk."