NEWS that a group of retired Gurkhas have won their right to settle in Britain following a test immigration case at London's High Court was last night welcomed by the Ulster Unionist Party.
Hundreds of the Nepalese fighters and their families cheered outside the Royal Courts of Justice in the Strand after a High Court judge ruled the Government’s immigration policy excluding them was unlawful.
There were emotional scenes as lawyers f
or the Gurkhas, including Edward Fitzgerald, QC, were garlanded with silk scarves against a background of three cheers from a throng of supporters and the skirl of pipe music.
The judge in the case, Mr Justice Blake, said in his ruling that Mr Fitzgerald had made “powerful submissions, powerfully advanced” for the Gurkhas.
He said Government immigration policy in this case “was so ambiguous” as to mislead applicants, entry clearance officers (ECOs) and immigration judges alike.
Ulster Unionist MLA Alan McFarland – himself a former Major with the Royal Tank Regiment – said the news was “excellent”.
He said: “Previously, those who retired from the force prior to 1997 were simply not allowed to settle in the UK – this in itself should not have been acceptable.”
But he also called for further action and said that the privilege should be extended to all former soldiers who fought with the Gurkhas.
“I believe it is the duty of the Government to make sure all those who served in the forces are entitled to settle here,” he said.
“Today’s decision at the High Court recognises their service to this country and their bravery.
“We must now ensure that their colleagues and comrades receive the same recognition for fighting beside our soldiers serving crown and country.”
The full article contains 291 words and appears in News Letter newspaper.
