Sir, – On April 28, Richmondshire District Council voted, unanimously, to support a Liberal Democrat motion, proposed by Coun Clive World and seconded by Coun John Robinson, calling on the Government to accept the High Court ruling which would allow all Gurkhas the right to settle in the UK following their valuable service in the British Armed Forces.
This vote was followed the next day by the Liberal Democrats in Parliament, with the support of the Conservatives and some Labour members, calling on the Government to honour the ruling. The Parliamentary vote resulted in a rare, but very welcome, defeat for the Government.
Joanna Lumley and Nick Clegg are absolutely right when they say that if it is acceptable for people to fight and die for our country then is absolutely right that they should have the right to live here. The Gurkhas have made an unconditional commitment to our nation and we cannot repay that extraordinary service, bravery and dedication with a penny-pinching attitude.
I would like to ask Richmond Town Council to consider granting the Freedom of the Town to the Gurkha Company ITC, based at Catterick, and also to Joanna Lumley in recognition of their loyal and principled services.
Coun STUART PARSONS Frenchgate, Richmond.
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