Victory for Gurkha Justice as Liberal Democrats win vote in Parliament.
April 29, 2009 6:38 PM
Windsor Lib Dem Julian Tisi signs up to the Gurkha Justice Campaign
The Government suffered a symbolic defeat when MPs voted by 267 to 246 in support of the Liberal Democrats' motion to give all Gurkha soldiers equal right of residence in Britain.
Local Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesman Julian Tisi has been a supporter of the Gurkha Justice Campaign for sometime and welcomed the news saying,
"Its great that MPs of all colours have rallied around this Liberal Democrat campaign for justice and fairness - lets hope that Gordon Brown has heard the message loud and clear."
The Liberal Democrats used their Opposition Day Debate in the House of Commons, to give MPs of all parties the opportunity to vote on last week's government decision to limit the number of retired Gurkhas who can stay in Britain.
Joanna Lumley and a large group of Gurkhas demonstrated outside the House of Commons while the Liberal Democrats continued the fight inside Parliament. Nick Clegg later joined the protesters to celebrate the Liberal Democrats victory on this issue.
Commenting, Nick Clegg said:
"People who are prepared to fight and die for our country should be entitled to live here. Yet even this basic principle is broken by this out of touch and morally bankrupt Government.
"Our debate will force the Government to come and explain its insulting decision to turn its back on these brave soldiers. MPs of all parties will be able to vote against the Government and force Gordon Brown to back down, even at this late stage.
"Gordon Brown has a chance to rediscover his moral compass and reverse the betrayal of these loyal veterans. I invite MPs of all parties to join with the Liberal Democrats in seeking justice for the Gurkhas."
Meanwhile a Labour Minister, Lord Mandelson, has attacked the Conservatives claiming that the rules the government were trying to introduce were designed to make fairer the rules operated by the Conservatives during their time in office.