Challenge over Gurkha 'betrayal'
Updated on 26 April 2009
Gordon Brown will face a parliamentary challenge to his decision to limit the number of Gurkhas allowed to settle in the UK.
The Home Office's offer of UK residency only to Nepalese veterans who meet certain conditions was condemned as a "betrayal" last week by campaigners, who estimated that no more than 100 Gurkhas would benefit from the arrangement.
The Liberal Democrats have secured a debate on the issue in the House of Commons on Wednesday.
Lib Dem leader Nick Clegg held talks with actress Joanna Lumley, who has spoken out on behalf of 36,000 Gurkhas who have been denied residency because they served in the British Army before 1997.
Ms Lumley, whose father served in a Gurkha regiment, will join other campaigners in staging a demonstration outside Parliament when the Lib Dems' opposition day debate is held on Wednesday.
Mr Clegg said: "A minister has to come and explain the Government's insulting decision to turn their back on these brave soldiers, and MPs of all parties will be able to vote against the Government.
"This is our best chance to force Gordon Brown to back down, even at this late stage.
"Joanna and a large group of Gurkhas will demonstrate outside the House of Commons while the Liberal Democrats continue the fight inside Parliament. I hope MPs of all parties will join us on that demonstration."
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