SNP SUPPORT GURKHAS IN COMMONS CHALLENGE.

SNP SUPPORT GURKHAS IN COMMONS CHALLENGE.

UK GOVERNMENT BETRAYAL SHAMEFUL

SNP Westminster leader and Defence spokesperson, Angus Robertson MP, has confirmed that the SNP will back a cross-party Commons challenge to the UK government decision to limit the number of Gurkha veterans allowed to settle in the UK.

The House of Commons is set to debate the issue after campaigners claimed that fewer than 100 of the Nepalese soldiers will benefit from the Home Office's offer of UK residency to Gurkhas who meet certain conditions.

Campaigners – including actress Joanna Lumley - will join a demonstration outside parliament as the debate is held.

Mr Robertson said:

"The UK government’s treatment of the Gurkhas is simply shameful.

"These brave men have risked their lives battling for this country, and it is nothing short of a betrayal by Labour Ministers to deny them residency. I think everyone has been shocked by the treatment the Gurkhas have received and Ministers must put this right.
"We have a had a revealing few weeks on the priorities of this Labour Government, with smear e-mails, damaging Budget spending cuts, ducking and diving on MPs expenses, and now a betrayal of brave Gurkhas.

"It is not too late for the UK Government to do the decent thing, and the SNP will be backing this challenge in parliament.”