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21/05/2009
Government U-Turn Over Gurkha Settlement
All Gurkha veterans who retired before 1997 with at least four years' service will be allowed to apply to stay in the UK , the Home Secretary has said.
In a reversal of policy, Ms Smith told the Commons: "I am delighted that we have now been able to agree, across government, across the house, and with the Gurkha representatives, all of those who served us so well so highly deserve this."
The Home Secretary made the announcement following a high-profile campaign by the Gurkhas , and their champion, actress Joanna Lumley.
Ms Lumley today welcomed Jacqui Smith’s announcement saying it "could not be a better day", with the Government set to stage a u-turn over settlement rights.
She also referred to Prime Minister Gordon Brown as a "brave man who has made today a brave decision on behalf of the bravest of the brave".
Five years ago, the Gurkhas who served at least four years and retired after 1997 were granted the right to live in the UK. However, this did not apply to those who left the service before that year.
The Gurkhas demanded all retired soldiers be given equal treatment.
The change in policy gives 36,000 veterans and their families permission to settle in the UK but the take-up is expected to be significantly lower.
The cost of the resettlement programme is estimated to be between £300m and £1.4bn.
(JM/KMcA)
In a reversal of policy, Ms Smith told the Commons: "I am delighted that we have now been able to agree, across government, across the house, and with the Gurkha representatives, all of those who served us so well so highly deserve this."
The Home Secretary made the announcement following a high-profile campaign by the Gurkhas , and their champion, actress Joanna Lumley.
Ms Lumley today welcomed Jacqui Smith’s announcement saying it "could not be a better day", with the Government set to stage a u-turn over settlement rights.
She also referred to Prime Minister Gordon Brown as a "brave man who has made today a brave decision on behalf of the bravest of the brave".
Five years ago, the Gurkhas who served at least four years and retired after 1997 were granted the right to live in the UK. However, this did not apply to those who left the service before that year.
The Gurkhas demanded all retired soldiers be given equal treatment.
The change in policy gives 36,000 veterans and their families permission to settle in the UK but the take-up is expected to be significantly lower.
The cost of the resettlement programme is estimated to be between £300m and £1.4bn.
(JM/KMcA)
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Lieutenant Neal Turkington - a Co Armagh soldier killed in Afghanistan - has been buried in his local Kernan Cemetery following a Portadown church service. The town came to a standstill this afternoon for the funeral of the Gurkha officer who was killed along with two of his comrades by a rogue member of the Afghan National Army on July 13.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A mostly cloudy day with outbreaks of rain, most persistent and occasionally heavy across southern and western counties this afternoon. Risk of low cloud and fog patches affecting the Down coast. Light winds. Maximum temperature 15 °C.Tonight:Continuing cloudy through the evening with further outbreaks of rain, the rain turning lighter and patchier from the south overnight. Winds remain light. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
