THe Government and the Gurkhas

Last week, the Government announced new rules that would allow a greater number of former Gurkha soldiers to settle in the U.K. Unfortunately, these rules did not go nearly far enough. For as many Gurkhas as they would allow in, many more would still be denied entry.

In response to the Government's announcement, the Liberal Democratic party tabled a motion condemning the decision and this afternoon, saw it passed by 267 votes to 246.

It seems to me that the Government has made a rod for its own back on the issue. Who is more brave than a soldier? Any man who is prepared to put his life on the line for his country deserves the finest treatment that it can offer. If he comes from another country but wishes to settle here, then with the greatest speed, his papers should be processed and he should be met at the airport with a fanfare.

This point of view is not unrealistic but a simple fact.  Gordon Brown has defended the decision to continue to restrict the number of Gurkhas entering the country by saying, 

"We have got to balance our responsibilities to those who have served our country with the finance that we need to be able to meet these obligations - and not base our offer on money we cannot afford."

Of course, we must be mindful of our money but how dare we expect men to die for us when we will not give them a home afterwards. If we really cannot afford to pay for these soldiers then the only honest option would be not have them in the army. 

I cannot understand the Government's attitude in this matter. Of course, there are two sides to every story. I look forward to seeing Labour bloggers defend the Government's point of view - if they can.