Clegg and Lumley join forces in fight for Gurkhas

8.49.27am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 27th Apr 2009

Liberal Democrat Leader, Nick Clegg and campaigner Joanna Lumley have held talks to discuss the next steps in their campaign for justice for the Gurkhas. Nick Clegg confirmed that the Liberal Democrats will hold an opposition day debate on the issue in Parliament on Wednesday following last week's Government announcement to limit the numbers of Gurkhas allowed to settle in the UK. Joanna Lumley and other campaigners have agreed to support the debate on the day by staging a protest outside the House of Commons.

Nick Clegg said:

"I have spoken to Joanna Lumley who is delighted that the Liberal Democrats have secured a parliamentary debate on the Gurkhas on Wednesday.

"This means that 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.

"People who are prepared to fight and die for this country should be entitled to live here. Yet even this basic principle is broken by a Government desperate to cover its back and wriggle out of its commitments.

"I have campaigned with the Gurkhas for some time and was on the steps of the High Court when their hopes of finally getting justice were raised. It has been heartbreaking to see these hopes dashed by such a cruel Government decision.

"Gordon Brown once said he had a moral compass. If so, he should find it quickly, do the right thing and give the Gurkhas the recognition and dignity they deserve".