UK CITIZENSHIP FOR GURKHAS

Early day motion 204, tabled 25 May 2005 by Roger Williams (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 49 members.

That this House celebrates the loyal service to the Crown provided by the Gurkhas since 1815 and particularly the contribution of the four regiments, the Brigade of Gurkhas, formally transferred into the British Army after 1947; believes that this loyal service should be rewarded with the opportunity to apply for British citizenship upon retirement; further believes that the current situation, whereby only Gurkhas discharged after 1st July 1997, and having served four or more years, are eligible for British citizenship, is arbitrary and unacceptable; notes that this cut-off point prevents around 100 Gurkhas currently resident in the UK as well as many more now living in Nepal from applying for British citizenship; and calls upon the Government to revise this policy and extend the right to British citizenship to all Gurkhas of the four regiments who have served the Crown for four or more years.

Signatures by party: Labour 21, Liberal Democrat 20, Conservative 3, DUP 2, Plaid Cymru 1, Scottish National Party 1, UUP 1.