MP Russell seeks to help Gurkhas

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 20th May 2008

Colchester MP Bob Russell will today (Wednesday) be moving a Bill in the House of Commons which would amend the Immigration Rules to allow former Gurkha soldiers to live in Britain after they are discharged from the Army.

The Garrison Town's MP has been granted what is known as a 10-Minute Rule Bill which he will present to the Commons immediately after Prime Minister's Questions at around 12.30pm. Liberal Democrat Mr Russell is seeking cross-Party support for his Bill.

He said: "The Gurkhas have a special place of affection in the hearts of the British people, but once they have ceased being members of the British Army many Gurkhas who wish to live in the country which they have served so loyally and bravely have felt let down.

"My Bill would amend the 1971 Immigration Act to let them have Indefinite Leave to enter and remain in the UK."

On its own a 10-Minute Rule Bill seldom goes on to become law, but the hope is that Mr Russell's proposal will be viewed favourably by the Government who will the bring forward their own legislation.

Mr Russell is a member of the Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Defence Team and a Parliamentary Advisor to The Royal British Legion. Earlier this year he visited British troops in Afghanistan. Amongst those he met were Gurkha soldiers.