FORMER Gurkhas would benefit Britain if they were allowed to settle in the country, supporters in the region said last night.

Gurkhas and their supporters spoke of their delight after the Government was defeated over guidelines that would have prevented most retired Nepalese soldiers from coming to the UK.

Bhim Nepali served with the Brigade of Gurkhas for 17 years, leaving in 2002.

Because he left the Army after 1997, he was allowed to stay in the country and is now a security officer in Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire.

He urged the Government to introduce a new policy that would allow all his former comrades to settle in Britain.

He said: “I think it (the Government defeat) is very good for us.

“Many of the men who would come here would be aged 50 or 60.

“They have helped the British Government before and they will help society again if they are allowed.”

The late Lieutenant Colonel Allan MacConachie served with the 7th Gurkha Rifles and was involved in the 1940 retreat from Burma.

He then returned in 1944 as part of the British offensive, when he won the Distinguished Service Order. His son, Alasdair MacConachie, is managing director of North- East car dealership Sherwoods.

He said: “We accommodate an awful lot of foreign people in this country.

“Yet here we are with good people, who are dedicated and extremely good soldiers, who after years of exemplary service to this country have had to go home when what they wanted was to settle here.

“They’re a credit to this country and they add value to society.”

He added: “I can understand the sympathy up and down the country towards the Gurkhas considering all they have done for this country.

“Sadly, the Government has got this very wrong.”

Denis Frankland, chairman of the Darlington branch of the Royal British Legion, also welcomed the Government’s defeat in the Commons.

He said: “The Gurkhas are part of the British Army – it’s just this stupid Government that won’t allow them to settle here.”

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