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Proceeding contribution from Derek Twigg (Labour) in the House of Commons on Wednesday, 29 April 2009. It occurred during Opposition day on Gurkha Settlement Rights.


Gurkha Settlement Rights

No, I am sorry. Time is nearly up. I say to the Government that obviously I have concerns about the 20-year rule. I understand what my hon. Friend the Minister said, but people might perceive that rule as disproportionately helping officers, who generally serve longer than the 15-year average. I ask him to have a look at that. It has, in one sense, come across to me from my constituents as an unfairness in what was announced last week, but I stress to the House that it was this Government who made those massive changes to Gurkha terms and conditions and introduced the immigration changes. We have created many opportunities for more Gurkhas and their families to stay in this country, which did not happen under the previous Government. While I understand the Liberal Democrats' point of view, they are too simplistic in terms of what they want and it does not take account of the implications for the Government, the country as a whole, our social institutions, our jobs and the economy. I say to the Government, of course review the situation, but be aware of the many complications within this issue, which is not straightforward.


Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
491 c920-1 
Session
2008-09
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
Subjects
Armed forces Immigration Gurkhas
Link
View this Proceeding contribution on www.publications.parliament.uk