Joanna Lumley supports ex-Gurkhas' protest to live in UK

9.41.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 17th Sep 2008

Joanna Lumley joined retired Gurkhas protesting outside parliament against the government's refusal to allow them the right to live in the UK. They have also been joined by long term Gurkha campaigner Peter Carroll. Actress Joanna Lumley's father served with the Gurkhas.

Peter Carroll said:

"It's important to remind the government that thousands of brave and loyal Gurkhas who have fought for Britain are forced to go to court to ask for something the vast majority of British people think they should have - the right to live in the UK."

This test case is being brought by five veteran Gurkhas and the widow of a veteran. The outcome of the case could affect more than 2,000 retired Gurkhas who have been denied the right to settle in the UK.

The Gurkhas' argue that foreign soldiers in the British Army would normally be eligible to settle in the UK after completing four years' service anywhere in the world.

But Gurkhas who retired before 1997 continue to be denied the opportunity to obtain settlement on the same basis as foreign soldiers discharged in the same period.

BBC video with Joanna Lumley at http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7618629.stm - the actress joins Gurkha soldiers protesting outside the High Court on Tuesday 16th September, ahead of a judicial review on the issue of their settlement rights.