Labour MP refuses to support Gurkhas

6.00.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 29th Apr 2009

Liberal Democrats in Merthyr Tydfil have reacted angrily at news that local Labour MP Dai Havard voted against allowing Gurkha soldiers equal right of residence in Britain.

Liberal Democrat Parliamentary spokesperson Amy Kitcher said "This just shows how slavishly loyal Mr Havard is to the Labour Party. There was a simple moral principle at stake, people are willing to die for our country, should be allowed to live in our country.

"Mr Havard clearly thinks saving Gordon Brown and the Labour Party is more important."

"Its great that MPs of all colours have rallied around this Liberal Democrat campaign for justice and fairness - lets hope that Gordon Brown has heard the message loud and clear."

The Liberal Democrats used their Opposition Day Debate in the House of Commons, to give MPs of all parties the opportunity to vote on last week's government decision to limit the number of retired Gurkhas who can stay in Britain.

Joanna Lumley and a large group of Gurkhas demonstrated outside the House of Commons while the Liberal Democrats continued the fight inside Parliament. Nick Clegg later joined the protesters to celebrate the Liberal Democrats victory on this issue.

Despite Mr Havard and the Labour Government, the Liberal Democrat motion was passed by 267 to 246 votes.

Councillor Amy Kitcher said "This is a historic victory for the Gurkhas who have served our country so bravely. The Government must listen to Parliament and scrap these shameful rules immediately and grant justice without conditions to all retired Gurkhas."