At midday today, 25 May 2009, Home Secretary
Jacqui Smith made the announcement to the House of Commons that the Gurkha
Justice Campaign have been fighting for for years. All ex-Gurkhas who have
served more than 4 years in the British Army will have the right to settle in
the UK if they wish.
After such a long fight, with huge ups and downs, this is a superb announcement.
We simply would not have won this fight without the massive, overwhelming
support of all those who have supported our campaign. To the hundreds of
thousands of people who have signed Gurkha Justice petitions, lobbied their MP,
campaigned, attended rallies and marches - thank you so much to you all. This is
your victory. It would not have happened without you.
The Government has now responded to that campaign after court cases, votes in
Parliament, a huge media campaign and, most importantly, massive public support.
I am delighted, and humbled, at what has been achieved by our remarkable team.
The whole campaign has been based on the belief that those who have fought and
been prepared to die for our country should have the the right to live in our
country. We owe them a debt of honour - a debt that will now be paid.
With warmest good wishes,
Joanna Lumley
Thank you to all the people in Fleet, Church
Crookham, Crookham Village and surrounding areas who joined in with
fleethants.com to support the Gurkhas campaign : webmaster