Gurkhas will be told they have won right to live in Britain

Published on Wednesday 20 May 2009 22:04

GURKHA veterans will today be told they have the right to live in the UK, as the government moves to quell the backlash over its treatment of the Nepalese warriors.

Home Secretary Jacqui Smith will make an announcement in the House of Commons giving all Gurkhas settlement rights, which previously only applied to those who retired after 1997.

The government is also, however, expected to announce restrictions on the war veterans' dependants.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown has come under intense pressure to give Gurkhas the same rights as Commonwealth soldiers who serve in the British armed forces.

During Prime Minister's Questions yesterday, Mr Brown disclosed that a statement would be made today.

He was asked by George Howarth, a former Labour minister, what progress had been made on the issue of Gurkha residency rights.

Mr Brown told him: "As you know we have a great deal of sympathy and support for those Gurkhas who wish to come into this country.

"Many of them have served the country and our army with huge distinction over the years."

Last month, the government suffered its first major defeat under Mr Brown when Labour rebels joined the Tories to back a Liberal Democrat motion and vote down the restrictive plans.