Challenge to Exeter M.P. to "do the right thing"

12.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 2nd Jul 2008

Graham Oakes, Lib Dem PPC for Exeter has today challenged Ben Bradshaw, Labour M.P. for Exeter to "do the right thing by the Gurkhas."

"The Gurkhas have a fine tradition of fighting for this country but in return we have treated them shabbily. I am disappointed it took this Labour Government 10 years to start righting this wrong, this basically racist rule, that denied people who fought for us a fair pension or the the right to live here after leaving the Army."

"Mr Bradshaw should support the Immigration (Discharged Gurkhas) Bill that will allow retiring soldiers to live in this country."

"Government after government have ignored the pleas of some of our bravest soldiers. Mr Bradshaw must back this Bill."

The Bill to give former Gurkhas indefinite leave to remain in Britain moved a step closer to becoming law after it received cross-party support in the House of Lords on Friday.

The Immigration (Discharged Gurkhas) Bill, introduced by Liberal Democrat Defence Spokesperson Lord (John) Lee, received its Second Reading today.

Commenting, Lord Lee said:

"Former Gurkhas, all of whom have laid their lives on the line for this country, deserve the right to live here in Britain after the end of their service.

"The backing this Bill received today from across the House means that we have moved one step closer to giving them that right.

"The Government must now recognise that there is support for the Gurkhas across the country and get behind the campaign to let them stay."