Guest 654- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 169
#1
Today's news is showing tha Ghurka's are not able to gain Citezenship of the UK even though they may have served the country for over 25 years.
This can be a very emotive subject, as you do have to way up the pro's and con's of all nationalities on this issue
so don't all get carried away with the campaign, but look at how it can be managed and hopefully resolved and not let
emotions rule.
what do readers think?
Terry Nunn
- Location: London Road, Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 4,321
#2
There is no doubt that the MOD are simply being penny pinching here Keef. The Gurkas fought for us and should be rewarded the same as the other troops.
4291
Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?
Guest 660- Registered: 14 Mar 2008
- Posts: 3,205
#3
Of course they should be allowed to stay,they fought for this country.
If you knew what I know,we would both be in trouble!
Guest 655- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 10,247
#4
The Ghurkas are a special case due to their outstanding service in the British Army. They form some of our finest fighting units and have won many VC's and other honours. They cannot be compared with any other nationality.
Guest 641- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 2,335
#5
I agree, the Ghurkas are an elite fighting force who have fought for us over the last century as part of the British army, so should be granted citizenship to stay.
On a seperate note what do fellow forumites think of the reports in yesterdays newspapers with regard to allowing Polish citizens to serve in the forces?
Guest 655- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 10,247
#6
They served well in WW2... As long as they are willing to take the oath of allegiance tp the Queen then there is no reason why they should not take 'her shilling'.
There is nothing new about this. Going right back to the Napoleonic wars we have had foreigners serving in our forces. I was looking at the roll of HMS Victory at the time of Trafalgar when I was in Portsmouth a couple of weeks ago and virtually every nationality imaginable was represented including French Royalists.
Guest 643- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 1,321
#7
Having now seen the news coverage of this issue I have to say that I agree with John, Terry and the two Barrys. The Ghurkas could not have done more for this country if they had been British. Their defence of our country has been exemplory and it is a disgrace that they are being treated as they are. We owe so much to these wonderful men and to repay their loyalty with betrayal is downright disgusting.
Keith I believe you work among some of these Ghurka families so I'm very surprised at your attitude.How you can say we have to "weigh up the pros and cons" I just don't know, and of course emotions will run high on this subject.
I will support any campaign to get justice for these people, it's the least we can do to thank them for all they have done for us - the British people. The governments refusal to give them British citizenship is to be deplored.
There's always a little truth behind every "Just kidding", a little emotion behind every "I don't care" and a little pain behind every "I'm ok".
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
#8
i always think of them as british anyway, their good manners and general demeanour when off duty is a reminder to us all of how we used to behave in public.
fascinates me, their obsession with having a bet, seems to be their weakness.
look into a betting shop and it is mostly nepalese now around the machines or looking agog at the racing.
the givernment claims that all concessions have been made, i think not.
i saw this evening that they have served our country since 1815.
Guest 645- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 4,463
#9
A compromise would be to give them indefinite leave to remain in this country.This would allow them to live and work here.It would kill 2 birds with one stone..ie the Gurkas get residency and the Govt saves face without doing a complete u-turn.
Its only a suggestion..personally I feel that anyone who serves in our armed forces say for a period of 5 years or more should then qualify for citizenship similar to the system that is operated by the French Foreign Legion.
Marek
I think therefore I am (not a Tory supporter)
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
#10
there are appeal procedures marek, but the gurkhas argue that their medals should be enough.
why should they sit in a room with a bunch of would be scroungers playing the system?
#11
Ghurkas serve this country with such honour and bravery.
I believe that some of the people who slate them would benefit tenfold by having their training instilled in them. Who are these people??
How can this government be so welcoming to illegal immigrants who sponge off our taxes and not recognise the loyality and respect the Ghurkas have for our queen and our country. Every ex-Ghurka I know and their families all work and pay their taxes.
I will support any campaign for them to have justice as like Jacqui
#12
I can't believe it's open to debate......clear evidence of support for the country, ability to support themselves, dignity and committment - of course they should have the right to citizenship and the rest. What is this about for goodness sake?
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
#13
the reason they are being treated so badly is that they do not believe in kicking up a fuss.
that is why every government has dumped on them.
the entire country is behind them according to the news channels.
Guest 658- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 660
#14
I do not know of anyone who doesn't agree with the Gurkha's getting full citizenship upon their discharge from the Army. On another point i believe that poles already serve in the army.
beer the food of the gods
Guest 644- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 1,214
#15
Gurkhas can now apply for Indefinite Leave To Remain providing they retired after 1997, completed four year's service and apply within two years of discharge.
To play Devil's Advocate for a moment, Gurkhas sign up knowing the pay and pension conditions, they are hardly hoodwinked once they enter service. Recruitment in Nepal is unbelievably popular and highly competed, a retiring Gurkha returning to Nepal would return practically a millionnaire by our standards even on the lesser pension they receive.
Having said that, Gurkhas put a great deal more effort into protecting the interests this country than the majority of UK nationals. I'd much live in a town full of Gurkha veterans than some of our home-grown spongeing social detritus.
Guest 644- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 1,214
#16
If Poles are to enter the Armed Forces, does that make them a mercenary force as they do not have UK citizenship?
Guest 645- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 4,463
#17
Yes.
My father a Pole fought in WW2 in the Free Polish Air Force but I doubt he considered himself a mercenary.
Marek
I think therefore I am (not a Tory supporter)
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
#18
the free poles did indeed fight and die during WW2.
just a glance at the names at the "battle of britain" memorial will say a lot.
not convinced about today's newcomers from poland.