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Gurkhas win right to stay in UK

Gurkha veterans who fought alongside British troops have won the right to settle in Britain in a ruling their lawyers claim is a "victory for common sense". In a High Court test case, six claimants successfully challenged an immigration policy which banned Gurkhas who had retired before 1997 from being allowed to stay in Britain. Around 200 Gurkhas were affected by the rule which came into force because the men failed to demonstrate "strong ties" to the UK. But the judge in the case threw out such reasoning saying that their commitment and loyalty to the Crown all point to an unquestionable historic "moral debt of honour" and gratitude which the ordinary people of Britain embrace and celebrate. Lawyers for the men said: "We have seen a tremendous and historic victory for the gallant Gurkha veterans of Nepal. "This is a victory that restores honour and dignity to deserving soldiers who faithfully served in Her Majesty's armed forces. They added: "It is a victory for common sense; a victory for fairness; and a victory for the British sense of what is 'right'." The Gurkhas have been supported throughout their action by actress Joanna Lumley, whose father fought alongside the Gurkhas in WWII. Outside the court she declared the ruling a chance to "wipe out a national shame that has stained us all". But the actress added that the battle was "not over yet" and urged people to continue to support the campaign and compel the Government to "fundamentally" rewrite the laws so that "Gurkhas have equal rights with the British soldier". Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said: "I have always been clear that where there is a compelling case, soldiers and their families should be considered for settlement. "The judge has agreed that our cut-off date of 1997 is fair. However, in light of the court's ruling we will revise and publish new guidance. We will honour our commitment to the Gurkhas by reviewing all cases by the end of the year."

ITN | September 30, 2008Watch more videos from ITN

Tags:. .challenged. .reasoning. .laws. .government. .case









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