Whilst our immigration policy is prepared to allow in EU citizens, asylum seekers, economic migrants, gangs and people smugglers, we are refusing entry to a handful of Ghurka’s and Iraqui interpreters that have helped us.
For example, since the time of the Empire, the formidable Gurkha’s, have long fought alongside the British Army in campaigns from the two world wars, through to the Falklands, Iraq and Afghanistan. In spite of this we are prepared to refuse entry to these brave soldiers who have risked their lives for our liberty and freedom, such that it is under the Labour government. Although we have allowed Gurkha’s that have left the army recently, to settle in the UK, we are refusing this benefit to those that left more than a decade ago. Surely our appreciation of their efforts and sacrifices is not time limited?
In addition, we are refusing entry to the Iraqi interpreters that have assisted our soldiers in Iraq. The government has decided that if they have “served” the British army for less than 1 year, that they cannot settle in the UK and, in any event, they should be subject to a quota. Why, is the British government claiming that those that have served less than 1 year are in less danger? What total and utter nonsense. It is reprehensible that the government, in our name, would seek to restrict the access of people that have served or supported our armed forces in the theatre of war, whilst allowing in any other Tom, Dick or Harry.
We are only talking abour a handful of Gurkha’s and interpreters, but the message we send by refusing entry is significant, not to mention hypocritical. This government needs to address this issue positively, before they bring shame on all of the people of this country.
I have argued for some time that we should have a much stricter immigration policy particularly given there is a significant impact on our services, such as health, education and housing, which is all too often ignored in favour of the ’cheap labour’ provided by economic migrants. However, I do not believe we should turn our backs on those that have helped us in our time of need, to do so, is quite simply shameful.
September 19th, 2008 at 2:19 am
Completely agree, I feel so ashamed at the treatment of these Gurkhas. We let the likes of Abu Qatada enter this country illegally using a fake passport and then stay but bar those who show more loyalty for their adopted nation than half the people that live here.
September 19th, 2008 at 8:50 am
The Gurkha’s were (and are) prepared to lay down their lives for queen and country. When politicians make these harsh decisions, they need to be reminded that because they are elected to speak on our behalf, shameful behaviour such as theirs reflects on us all. For this reason and others, I suspect they will pay the price in the ballot box.
October 18th, 2008 at 9:22 am
Agree with your view: we are overcrowded and immigration policy is too weak. We seem finally to be having some effect on the government as it is now making noises about sensible population policy including restricting immigration and immigrants’ citizenship rights instead of following the tradition of avoiding the issue except to play up the alleged benefits and waffle on about race.