Farron hails historic victory for Gurkhas

2.37.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 5th May 2009

Local MP Tim Farron joined hundreds of other MPs to defeat the Government on Gurkha settlement rights in Parliament last week. The Liberal Democrat-led debate saw the Gurkhas securing the support of Parliament for their right to settle in the UK.

After the vote Mr Farron joined a rally of celebrating Gurkhas and their supporters along with actress Joanna Lumley, whose father had fought alongside the Gurkhas and has been campaigning for their right to settle in the UK. Mr Farron has promised to work with the British Legion in Kendal to help overturn the rules restricting retired Gurkhas living in this country.

Commenting Mr Farron said:

"This is an historic victory for the Gurkhas who have served our country so bravely.

"The Government has a moral duty to support those who have put their lives on the line to protect our freedoms and fight for our country. Those who have been prepared to die for this country must have the right to live in this country.

"The Government must listen to Parliament and scrap these shameful rules immediately and grant justice without conditions to all retired Gurkhas."