GURKHAS AND IMMIGRATION LAW

Early day motion 1591, tabled 7 September 2004 by Ann Widdecombe (Conservative). Signed by 66 members.

That this House congratulates Gurkhas serving with British regiments and expresses its gratitude for their contribution to every theatre of war in which British troops have been deployed since 1945; notes however that after 15 years service with the British Army, including active service, Gurkhas have no right to remain in the United Kingdom and that none of their service is taken into account under immigration law in the assessment of an application, either to remain in the United Kingdom or re-enter it after return to Nepal; and calls upon Her Majesty's Government to address this injustice immediately and to take full account of each year of service in any assessment of application for leave to remain, leave to enter or naturalisation.

Signatures by party: Labour 35, Liberal Democrat 12, Conservative 7, Labour/Co-operative 4, DUP 3, UUP 3, Scottish National Party 2.