Gurkhas

There have been rights to settle in the UK for those who have retired since 1997 – when their Hong Kong base was returned to the Chinese – but there are current disputes about the settlement rights of others.

Proposed new rights to settle include those with 20 years service – yet most can only serve a maximum of 15. The proposals will only give settlement rights to a few.

The Liberal Democrats have long supported the rights of all Gurkhas.

Locally, Councillor Alan Lewis, of Stockton Borough Council’s Eaglescliffe Ward, raised the issue in a debate on the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Nationally, party leader Nick Clegg raised the matter in Parliament yesterday and the issue also has other high-profile support, including actress Joanna Lumley whose father was saved by a Gurkha.

Before yesterday’s debate in Parliament, I contacted Stockton South Labour MP Dari Taylor’s office to ask her to vote for the Liberal Democrat motion supporting the Gurkhas.

Jacquie Bell, Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokeswoman, Stockton South.

CORRESPONDENTS Peter Hill, Colin T Mortimer and Jeannie Reid (HAS, all April 28) are absolutely spot on target in what they say about the Government and the Gurkha veterans.

As for the Government minister’s words of self-justification, that admitting all would be too expensive, that’s as despicable as it is pathetic.

Did the Gurkhas ever count the cost when shedding their blood for us?

They are heroes to a man and the vast majority of the British people would be honoured and privileged to welcome them here in their declining years.

I’ve thought for some time that this Government was capable of just about anything, but I honestly never thought they’d stoop this low.

Tony Kelly, Crook, Co Durham.

WHAT is wrong with the politicians of this country? They will let every colour, creed, religion, etc, in without hardly blinking an eye, yet they will not recognise a branch of the Armed Forces which has served this country for years.

Yes, it’s the Gurkhas, again refused permission to reside in this country, out of the thousands who should have a God-given right to settle here after serving in our Armed Forces. Only a handful have been granted permission to stay, all of whom – I am led to believe – are officers.

Obviously, those who came to the decision to restrict the numbers of Gurkhas who can stay here have never served in the Armed Forces. In my opinion, they are a disgrace to this country.

Ray Vincent (Ex-submariner), Darlington.

I WRITE as the Parade Marshal for Spennymoor, and as a fundraiser for the Gurkha Welfare Trust, to register my disgust at the way the Gurkhas have been treated.

For two years I had the Gurkhas on parade at the Sunday Service of Remembrance. The reception that the people of Spennymoor gave them was tremendous and everyone I have spoken to – and I have had lots of phone calls – has said how disgusted they were at the restrictions imposed.

I would like The Northern Echo to take up the fight for these brave people and to let Immigration Minister Phil Woolas (Echo, April 25) know that his actions are nothing short of treacherous.

AW Sanderson, Spennymoor, Co Durham.

I AM incensed by the treatment meted out by this spineless Government regarding the brave Gurkhas.

It would appear that if you preach hate and attempt to destroy our culture, that’s OK, you will be allowed to reside here.

It’s high time that the decent, law-abiding citizens had a say on who we welcome here in Britain.

I believe local people would like the chance to show their support for these wonderful men who have shown us such loyalty. Perhaps The Northern Echo could give us that chance. I for one would appreciate it.

A Humble, Newton Aycliffe, Co Durham.

■ Footnote: The above letters were submitted before the Government’s Commons defeat yesterday over new settlement rules for Gurkhas.