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Maidstone and the Weald Liberal Democrats Working with Peter Carroll for Maidstone & Kent |
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| Maidstone and the Weald Liberal Democrats | <Info@MaidstoneAndTheWealdLibDems.org.uk> |
Gurkha Justice: The Gurkha Citizenship and Pension Campaign
It's an ongoing disgrace: Gurkhas who retired from the British Army after 1997 can automatically stay in the UK, but those who retired earlier must apply, and many have been refused and face deportation. Pension rights for years served by Gurkhas before 1997 count at only around a quarter of the level of years served after that time. In March 2008, fifty Nepalese soldiers handed back their Long Service and Good Conduct medals in protest at the difference in treatment of Gurkhas with other British soldiers, such as those from the Commonwealth. Peter Carroll has campaigned with others for equal rights for Gurkhas since 2004. The campaign has won significant victories in that tiime: those Gurkhas retiring since 1997 can now apply for citizenship in this country and receive a fair pension for years service since 1997, but the fight goes on for a fair deal for service and retirements before 1997. To back those who have fought in the British Army for our country, in conflicts including the Falklands war and the 1st Gulf War, please sign the NEW petition at the Downing Street web site now. Recent News from the Gurkha Justice Campaign
Tue 26th May 2009: "A Marvellous and Historic Day" - Peter Carroll Peter Carroll, a leading member of the Gurkha Justice campaign speaks of the recent news that all Gurkha veterans who retired before 1997 with at least four years' service will now be allowed to settle in the UK. Sun 3rd May 2009: Government defeated on Gurkha Policy A Liberal Democrat "Opposition Day" motion to withdraw the new guidelines immediately and bring forward revised proposals that extend an equal right of residence to all Gurkhas has been passed in the House of Commons. Sun 1st Feb 2009: Gurkha campaigners hit back at MOD scaremongering The organizers of the Gurkha Justice campaign team have hit out at recent press stories that their campaign to get retired Gurkhas the right to settle in the UK will result in Gurkhas becoming too expensive and that they will be scrapped. The campaign is spearheaded by the actress Joanna Lumley and achieved a major victory in the High Court in September last year when Justice Blake ruled that the Government policy of excluding Gurkhas from living in the UK who retired before 1997 was 'unlawful'. Sun 12th Oct 2008: Gurkha Campaign Back to Parliament Actress Joanna Lumley has called on the Government to "honour our debt" and support moves which would allow all retired Gurkhas to live in the UK. Miss Lumley is due to join Gurkhas and Justice campaign co-ordinator Peter Carroll at the House of Lords on Monday, where a bill from Lib Dem Lord Lee which would see a change in the law will go for its third reading in the House of Lords. Sun 21st Sep 2008: Gurkha Justice Court Case: Can you help find key evidence? Gurkha Justice campaigner Peter Carroll has issued an urgent plea for evidence to back up the legal team representing the Gurkhas in the current High Court hearing on the lawfulness of the 1997 'cut off' date for citizenship. The case received huge coverage earlier this week when Joanna Lumley and others gave their backing to the cause. Tue 19th Aug 2008: Peter Carroll takes National Gurkha Campaign to Cranbrook Lib Dem campaigner Peter Carroll took his national Gurkha Justice campaign to Cranbrook on Saturday. Gurkha soldiers who retired before 1997 are still threatened with deportation a situation which campaigners are fighting to change. Earlier Stories Complete archive on the official site Printed and hosted by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY.Published and promoted by Maidstone and the Weald Liberal Democrats, FREEPOST, Maidstone ME16 8BR. The views expressed are those of the party, not of the service provider. |