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Lumley praises Brown after Gurkha victory
21 May 2009Gurkha campaigner Joanna Lumley paid tribute to Prime Minister Gordon Brown today as she hailed the decision to allow all Gurkha veterans to come to Britain.
The move, announced in the Commons by Home Secretary Jacqui Smith, means thousands of Gurkhas who retired before 1997 will be given settlement rights.
Lumley said: "I would like to pay tribute to Gordon Brown the Prime Minister, a brave man who has made today a brave decision on behalf of the bravest of the brave.
"A great injustice has been righted. The Gurkhas are coming home."
The changes will allow retired servicemen with four years service to move to this country, Ms Smith told the Commons.
She said: "Generations of Gurkhas have served the United Kingdom with great courage, sacrifice and distinction and they continue to make a vital and valued contribution to our operations around the world.
"We respect the will of the House of Commons on this issue and that is why I have now announced a new policy, the basis of which we have worked on with the Home Affairs Select Committee and Gurkha representatives.
"This means we can now welcome any Gurkha who has served for four years or more to settle in the UK."
The decision sparked jubilant scenes outside parliament as Lumley informed her fellow supporters that victory was complete.
The actress choked back tears as she thanked Mr Brown for making his "brave decision".
She then joined hundreds of former Gurkhas and supporters in screaming their famous battle cry "Ayo Gurkhali", meaning "the Gurkhas are coming".
Ms Lumley added: "This is a fantastic day for my brothers and sisters."
Flanked by supporters, she then joined in giving three cheers for the Prime Minister.
Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg, whose Commons motion led directly to the u-turn, said: "I am absolutely thrilled that the Gurkhas have finally been given justice.
"This is a great victory for the Gurkhas and for everyone who has campaigned on their behalf.
"Gordon Brown has finally woken up to the principle that people across Britain understand instinctively: if someone is prepared to die for this country, they must be allowed to live in it.
"Tragically this decision will come too late for many of those brave Gurkhas who have been waiting so long to see justice done.
"Gordon Brown's claim of a 'moral compass' rings hollow when, on every issue from Gurkhas to expenses, he has to be dragged every inch of the way towards doing the right thing."
Shadow home secretary Chris Grayling said: "This has been a great victory for Joanna Lumley and her well-run campaign that has publicly embarrassed Ministers and has reminded us all of the role that the Gurkhas have played in helping defend this country over the centuries.
"First and foremost this case was about basic decency. People from around the world have come to live in this country in the past decade.
"There was never a justification to deny that right to a group of people who have long lived in the nation's affections, and who have risked and often given their lives for its protection.
"It is just a shame that the Government had to be dragged kicking and screaming through the courts and then through the crowds of Gurkhas outside parliament before it finally did the right thing."
Reader views (35)
The correct decision. All that is needed to make it absolutely fabulous is for the lads to put in one last kukri charge - right through the palace of Westminster. No prisoners.
- James Timpson, Glamorganshire, Wales., 01/09/2009 17:12
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I don't know how to thank you for having given your marvelous time to fight for the Gurkhas to obtain their rights to settel in the UK. It was true and fact that without your kind generousity would not let us stay in this country by this government. Once again on behalf of Gurkhas I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Ran.
- Ran Gurung, Abbeywood london, 24/05/2009 01:19
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Why on Earth would anyone praise Gordon Brown after such a debacle?
- Jethro Penzance, Streatham Common, 22/05/2009 08:51
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Absolutely Fabulous Joanna, a job well done.
- Len, Perth Australia, 22/05/2009 02:00
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Well done Joanna, and congratulations to one and all who helped make this horrid mess a happy ending. For once, the government have made a well-deserved decision.
- Maureen Cohen, London, 21/05/2009 23:29
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Well done to Joanna Lumley for the Ghurka victory. Perhaps now the Government can allow those such as the Ghurkas who showed loyalty to the UK 1939-1941 to enjoy the same state pension rights if they choose to live in those countries as those who live in the UK. Currently those National Insurance Fund contributors who now live in places such as Nepal, Australia and Canada do not receive annual upratings to their state pension each 6 April. Those who live in places such as the USA, Israel and the Philippines do receive increases. I challenge anyone to provide a logical explanation as to the fairness of this UK Govt policy.
Richard Lane
- Richard Lane, Kariong, NSW, Australia, 21/05/2009 22:29
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The decision was a fair one, but depressingly it indicates that the only way to get many politicians to listen is to make them 'star struck.'
- Mark, Venice, Italy, 21/05/2009 22:12
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Flattery will you everywhere with Mr McRuin and Pals. Thats all they are about now - having their over inflated egos stroked.
Yes, well done Joanna. Good job - congratulations to the Ghurkas. My Dad served in the 2nd Batalion 7th Ghurka Rifles as Batalion Adjutant during WW2.
- Uncle Vanya, East Anglia Area UK, 21/05/2009 18:02
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Tongue in cheek praise for Brown.
- Dee Jay, Fleet Hampshire, 21/05/2009 17:51
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Well done Joanna,the PM has listened to you, maybe now he could listen to the rest of the electorate and go!!!
- Rosemary Mitchell, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, 21/05/2009 17:00
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What fantastic news.
It shows that its not to stand around moaning. People CAN make a difference if they really want to. Imagine what a great place this would be to live if Joanna was PM.
- Jon, Mitcham, 21/05/2009 16:50
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Joanna Lumley and her colleagues have won a great victory and, politely and correctly, she thanks Gordon Brown. But he is not brave, he is not the hero of the hour. His government did everything to resist this, they despise the will of their backbenchers and of Parliament, they have contempt for the emotional values of the British people - why was there such a forceful campaign otherwise. Brown has only caved in now because he has lost authority on everything from the economy to the management of his own cabinet. Let us pay credit where it is due. That is NOT in Downing Street.
- Tom Moncrieff, london W6, 21/05/2009 16:28
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"Lumley praises Brown after Gurkha victory"
Yes, despite all there madd hysteria in the Tory press, Gordon is still doing a great job, especially in terms of our economic revcovery which is gathering pace
- Keith Price, Luton, England, 21/05/2009 16:18
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Perhaps Miss Lumley would like to stand for Parliament.There must be some nice by elections coming up and she would be mighty popular given the reputation of the current crop of Westminster old foggies.
- William Grierson, Kimpton-UK, 21/05/2009 16:01
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How come Gordon Brown is taking credit for this? His government was publicly shamed into action.
Well done Joanna for standing up for what you believed in.
- Goggs, London, 21/05/2009 15:51
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Take note of Miss Lumley, Brown. She's won her victory, not by blustering or bullying or lying, but by presenting the truth. Something you've NEVER achieved.
- Lezli Taubler, London / ENGLAND, 21/05/2009 15:47
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Roy G, Solihull, England.
Is it raining on you planet.
twonk
- Sean Dempsey, hayes london., 21/05/2009 15:43
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Makes a complete fool of dithering Brown and then rubs it in. Atagirl.
- Albert Hall, hove england, 21/05/2009 15:35
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Very well done its about time they let the ghurkas into britain.
Now Mr Brown about that election call.
- Martin, sheffield, 21/05/2009 15:29
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What's the betting - "Dame" Joanna before the year is out!?
- Jb, London, 21/05/2009 15:23
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Malcolm is right, this is the only justifiable outcome to what has been an utter disgrace, but it is not born of McClown's affection, bravery or generosity, he has none of those qualities.
Gormless has had no choice but to aquiesce to overwhelming public demand for what is right and just. However, the concession has been made only because the Politburo believe that they can make political capital from it, and because in the greater scheme of things it isn't going to cost the Earth. Even if every living Gurkha and his family came here they would still be lost amongst the uncounted hordes of illegals that have been shepherded into Britain by NuLiebour's open door policy.
The reason that this has dragged on for so long is two fold; firstly McClown is a coward, and secondly, NuLiebour despise the centuries of British tradition that the Gurkas stand for.
- Keith Lonsdale, Doncaster, 21/05/2009 15:06
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Roy G, Solihull, England are you mental! How can you compare the Gurkhas, who have served and protected this country and therefore who have every right to be welcomed and live here, to a bunch of terrorists, who blow up innocent women and children in the name of their cause? People like you make me sick!
- Colin, London, 21/05/2009 14:50
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This could only have gone one way and the "Praise" for Brown could easily have been curses if Ms Lumley didn't get her way. Let him bask in his glory, it'll be short lived.
- Albert Swift, Aberdeen, Scotland, 21/05/2009 14:16
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This government is useless, if it wasn't for the citizens and opposition we would not have know Crash Gordon was trying this on.
- Peteo, London NW1, 21/05/2009 14:10
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So, an elderly actress stamps her feet to demand special privileges for a bunch of retired mercenaries........ and the Government caves in.
It is hard to decide which party is more contemptible.
- Sam Webster, London, 21/05/2009 13:33
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What took the government so long to decide on a "no brainer"? The Ghurkhas fought and died for us Britons while we grant asylum to those who would destroy us!
- Jon, London, 21/05/2009 13:31
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Just wait for Nuliebor's spin on this one.
- Dee Jay, Fleet Hampshire, 21/05/2009 13:27
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Aw Jo, don't spoil it! Crash hardly did this voluntarily ...
- Marianne, SW France/London, 21/05/2009 13:18
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At last - Gormless Broon has done something worthwhile for the country and the Gurkhas.
- Dave Davies, Basingstoke, 21/05/2009 13:11
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That decision was easy-peasy for Brown. What will take courage is to call an election! He could win a post-election VC for that! Geddit?
- Sandy, Ealing, UK, 21/05/2009 13:04
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Nu Labor should be stopped from their DAILY mistakes. They are producing only negatives things: more administration, more debt, more taxes, more unemployment etc. etc. etc.
- Georgie, Islington, London, 21/05/2009 12:59
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Brilliant news for the brave Gurkha's, no thanks to NuLiebor, this is democracy, still a little left thank God !
- John Brian Hughes, wales, 21/05/2009 12:57
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A decision based on principles of humanity. Should the government remove obstructions to other needy people to be welcomed here. Many are facing threats daily from oppressive regimes in places such as Somalia, Pakistan and Sri Lankha. Let the government's conversion to humanity continue. The valiant tamil tigers on hunger strike in Parliament Square must now see hope.
- Roy G, Solihull, England., 21/05/2009 12:46
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Well done to Joanna and the Gurkhas!
Very glad to see that Ms Lumley made a statement this week disassociating herself from the scurrilous lies in The Sun on monday over the forged BNP leaflet.
- David Moon, Seaford, East Sussex, UK, 21/05/2009 12:27
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Apparently in his meeting with Ms Lumley this morning "Mr Brown had been "generous, affectionate" and "tremendously optimistic". When will Nu Labour stop announcing policies (or changes of policy in this case!!!) through celebrity & media BEFORE they announce it in the House of Commons. Gordon Browns obsession with "spinning" stories in advance purely for cheap publicity (when on becoming PM he promised to end the "era of spin"), and his total inability to understand that the electorate is not impressed by such cheap behaviour, proves once again his total unsuitability to be Prime Minister.
This "announcement" is NOT good news for New Labour. It's been FORCED on Jackie Smith & Gordon Brown by the earlier rejection by Parliament of their wholly offensive policy of denying residency to the Gurkhas. To now try and "spin" it as a positive step by the government is totally disingenuous & typical of Gordon Brown and this discredited government
- Malcolm, London, 21/05/2009 11:56
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