Justice Done: New Government Decision Great Victory for Gurkhas

12.43.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 22nd May 2009

All Gurkha veterans who retired before 1997 with at least four years' service will be allowed to settle in the UK, Home Secretary Jacqui Smith has said. Under the measures, Gurkhas will be allowed to settle in the UK with their spouses and dependent children under 18.

The announcement today is the culmination of year of campaigning by Gurkha Justice campaigners. The campaign has its roots in Folkestone which is the UK home of the Royal Gurkha Rifles. Maidstone and the Weald Parliamentary Campaign Peter Carroll is a key organiser of the campaign, alongside Joanna Lumley, a legal team from Howe and Co, Gurkhas themselves and a huge range of other campaigners.

Commenting on the Government's announcement, Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg said:

"I am absolutely thrilled that the Gurkhas have finally been given justice.

"This is a great victory for the Gurkhas and for everyone who has campaigned on their behalf.

"Gordon Brown has finally woken up to the principle that people across Britain understand instinctively: if someone is prepared to die for this country, they must be allowed to live in it.

"Tragically this decision will come too late for many of those brave Gurkhas who have been waiting so long to see justice done.

"Gordon Brown's claim of a 'moral compass' rings hollow when, on every issue from Gurkhas to expenses, he has to be dragged every inch of the way towards doing the right thing."