Exeter MP lets down Gurkhas

12.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 30th Apr 2009

Ben Bradshaw let down some of Britain 's bravest fighting men according to Lib Dem PPC Graham Oakes.

Speaking after the Lib Dem motion calling for fair treatment of all Gurkhas had been passed by the House of Commons - despite government opposition - Graham Oakes said: "I'm not surprised that Ben Bradshaw has once again demonstrated his ultra loyalty to the government but I am disappointed. This was an opportunity for our MP to do the right thing and stop the Gurkhas being discriminated against. I have received many messages of support for my position on this issue - I strongly doubt Ben Bradshaw could have found a single Exonian who would support his stance."

"By voting against this motion our MP was saying he wanted thousands of Gurkhas to be deported, many of which fought with great bravery in the Falklands Campaign."

"The Government was defeated because a few brave Labour MPs defied their party bosses and backed the Gurkhas who have so bravely fought for Britain . The Government has a moral duty and is bound by the military covenant to support those who have put their lives on the line to protect our freedoms and fight for our country. "