Victory for the Gurkhas

At midday today, Home Secretary Jacqui Smith made the announcement to the House of Commons that all ex-Gurkhas who have served more than 4 years in the British Army will have the right to settle in the UK if they wish.This is what the Gurkha Justice Campaign have been fighting for for years.

After such a long fight, with huge ups and downs, this is a superb announcement.

We simply would not have won this fight without the massive, overwhelming support of all those who have supported our campaign. To the hundreds of thousands of people who have signed Gurkha Justice petitions, lobbied their MP, campaigned, attended rallies and marches - thank you so much to you all. This is your victory. It would not have happened without you.

The Government has now responded to that campaign after court cases, votes in Parliament, a huge media campaign and, most importantly, massive public support. I am delighted, and humbled, at what has been achieved by our remarkable team.

The whole campaign has been based on the belief that those who have fought and been prepared to die for our country should have the the right to live in our country. We owe them a debt of honour - a debt that will now be paid.

I received this from Joanna Lumley today.