'Gurkha Veterans must stay in UK' - Hughes

4.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 25th Jun 2008

Simon Hughes, Liberal Democrat MP for North Southwark and Bermondsey, joined party Leader Nick Clegg today to press Gordon Brown to grant citizenship to Gurkha veterans of the British Armed Services.

The move follows several weeks' pressure from Liberal Democrat MPs in Parliament in support of the Gurkhas, many of whom now face deportation and reduced pension rights.

Today's initiative follows further calls by Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg to the Gordon Brown during Prime Minister's Question Time.

Commenting on the steps of 10 Downing Street this afternoon, Mr Hughes said:

"Our Gurkha veterans still feel angry that their generations of service do not give them the full rights of the people they have served with.

"I have long argued for the rights of our Gurkha veterans to be granted full British citizenship.

"These dedicated soldiers have huge support from the public and in parliament. It is now surely time for our government to give them equal status too."

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

1. To read a transcript of Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg's questions to Gordon Brown, click here.

2. To read a copy of Liberal Democrat MP Bob Russell's recent 10 Minute Rule Bill arguing for British Citizenship to be granted to Gurkha veterans, click here.