Immigration (Discharged Gurkhas) Bill [HL]

The purpose of the bill is to amend the Immigration Rules in connection with the requirements for indefinite leave to enter and remain in the United Kingdom as a Gurkha discharged from the British Army.

Lord Lee of Trafford (Lib Dem) introduced the second reading of a Bill aimed at extending the right to indefinite leave to remain in the UK to all Gurkhas who had served in the British armed forces rather that just those who retired after July 1 1997.

Lord Sheikh (Con) held that there “should be a review to determine whether the 1997 cut-off for citizenship established by the current Government is appropriate.”

But he pointed out the importance of treating all groups equally.

Lord Bilimoria (Cross-bench) supported the Bill which he felt would have widespread public support

Lord Burnett (Lib Dem) supported the Bill and hoped all Lords would.

Baroness Hanham (Con) stated that “once back in office, [the Conservatives would] to conduct a review to determine whether the 1997 cut-off is appropriate.” But she added that for the moment she could not support the Bill.

Lord Bassam (Lab) of Brighton took the “difficult job” of responding on behalf of the government. He argued that “there is scope for those Gurkhas who retired prior to 1 July 1997 to apply for settlement in the United Kingdom under the discretionary arrangements.”

He added that he had to oppose the Bill.

Lord Lee of Trafford reported that he “will return to this issue again. It will not go away. We owe so much to the Gurkhas” and pointed to Labour backbenchers who supported the Bill.

 

 

House of Lords

First reading: March 18 2008 [HL Bill 43]

Second reading: July 4 2008

Third reading: October 13 2008

House of Commons

First reading: no date