Former Gurkha soldiers and their supporters from across the Country have been welcomed to Westminster today by Lib Dem Leader Nick Clegg. The Liberal Democrat leader pledged the Party's support to the Gurkha campaign for the right to settle in the UK for all Gurkha soldiers including those who retired before 1997.
Hundreds retired Gurkhas demonstrated outside Parliament today demanding the right to remain in the UK and pension equality with British soldiers. Gurkhas who retired after 1997 can automatically stay in the UK, but those who retired earlier must apply. Fifty of the Nepalese soldiers handed their service medals to Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg in protest. Nick will be handing them to the Prime Minister. At PMQs, Nick, holding up one of the medals handed back by one of the protesters, demanded all Gurkhas be given equal pay and pension rights as well as the right to live in the UK. Liberal Democrat Lords have launched a Bill in the House of Lords to try to change the law regarding the right for all Gurkhas to remain in the UK.
I never cease to be amazed by the buck-passing the local councillors and MP do in their quest to avoid taking ownership of key issues like public transport and the integration of different modes.In addition I am staggered by the hostile reception to Crossrail given that all users of Brentwood rail station will benefit from having shorter journey times, more trains and better facilities.
Rail commuters are hoping major engineering works taking place during the Easter break will be completed on time.
Councillor Zulf Ali has condemned the new East Central Rochdale (ECR) master plan for the decision to remove residents from their bungalows without a full and proper consultation. Councillor Ali who is also the Cabinet member for housing was referring to the Cliff Street Bungalows, where local people are being evicted to make way for a link to the new Belfield Business Park.
A Carlisle woman who falsely claimed £23,000 in disability benefits has been warned she faces jail.