SNP WELCOME GURKHA ANNOUNCEMENT.

SNP WELCOME GURKHA ANNOUNCEMENT.

The SNP today (Thursday) welcomed a UK government u-turn that will allow all Gurkha veterans who retired before 1997 with at least four years service will be allowed to settle in the UK. The SNP backed a cross-party Commons challenge to the UK government decision to limit the number of Gurkha veterans allowed to settle in the UK.

SNP Westminster Defence spokesperson, Angus Robertson MP, said:

“It was an injustice that had to be put right, and I am delighted that the prime minister has relented in the face the Gurkhas campaign and overwhelming public and parliamentary pressure.

“The UK government’s treatment of these brave veterans was nothing short of a betrayal, and that had to be reversed.

“This whole affair has been hugely damaging for Gordon Brown personally. The governments defeat in parliament and now this u-turn underline just how seriously his leadership is faltering. Gordon Brown’s authority is in complete tatters.”