DAVID HEATH SPEAKS OUT AT NATIONAL GHURKHA RALLY

2.51.00pm GMT Fri 21st Nov 2008

Somerton and Frome MP David Heath today led calls for justice for former Ghurkhas who are denied the right to settle in Britain. Mr Heath joined actress Joanna Lumley, wildlife campaigner and actress Virginia McKenna and thousands of ex-servicemen in a demonstration in Parliament Square followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at the Cenotaph and the presentation of a 250,000 signature petition at 10, Downing Street.

The rally follows years of campaigning for a fair deal for all the ex-Ghurkha soldiers who have fought for Britain over centuries. The wreaths were laid by the two surviving Ghurkha VCs from the Burma campaign in the Second World War. In September the High Court ruled that the government had acted unlawfully in refusing permission to remain in Britain to Ghurkhas who served in the British forces before 1997, but the necessary changes in immigration rules still haven't been made.

David told the rally:

"I am not here because there is a large Nepalese community in my constituency whom I want to please. Nor am I here, as many are, because I have had the privilege of serving alongside men of the Ghurkha regiment. I am here because I hate an injustice when I see one, and this is simply not fair to brave men who have served our country, and died for our country, over many years.

I think successive governments have acted shamefully in the way they have treated the Ghurkhas, and we clearly owe a debt of honour which should now be paid. The question, after the court case, is not whether but simply when, and I hope this show of support from people across the country and MPs of all parties will encourage ministers to do the honourable thing quickly and to put right this injustice."