HISTORIC DAY FOR PARLIAMENT AS GOVERNMENT LOSE VOTE OVER GURKHAS

11.00.31am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 30th Apr 2009

Local MP, David Heath was today amongst the MPs who voted for a Lib Dem motion that all Gurkhas be offered an equal right of residence in the UK. MPs voted by 267 to 246 in favour of the motion with members of the Government turning out to try to block the vote.

Speaking in the chamber after the vote, Mr Heath called on Jacqui Smith, the Home Secretary to honour the will of the House and make an emergency statement.

David Heath has consistently campaigned in support of Gurkha residence and has often questioned Leader of the House, Harriet Harman MP over the lack of debate in Parliament. In November Mr Heath joined campaigner Joanna Lumley with Gurkhas in a rally in Parliament Square, where he made a speech against the government position.

Commenting after the vote, David said:

"It has been a truly historic day on a number of counts. We have a fantastic result for the Gurkhas across the country. As a campaigner who has fought for the rights of the Gurkha community I am tremendously pleased with the outcome of today's vote.

We have also seen the strength of this Labour Government overturned for the first time. They had not until today been defeated on a motion and I am particularly glad that it was not only a Liberal Democrat motion but a motion that will see Gurkhas given the residence that they deserve."