Thousands of well-wishers cheered members of the Royal Gurkha Rifles as they marched through Folkestone, Kent yesterday to celebrate being given the freedom of the town.
Thousands of well-wishers cheered members of the Royal Gurkha Rifles as they marched through Folkestone, Kent yesterday to celebrate being given the freedom of the town.
Actress Joanna Lumley, who has played a major role in getting the valiant Gurkhas the right to live in England (Khalidoscope, June 14), said while addressing a crowd of more than 10,000, "I am thrilled to be here today, celebrating giving the freedom of your town to these remarkable men and their families.
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Sense Of Belonging: Gurkhas now have the right to stay in Britain. |
"This is a wonderful day for Britain. You are the spearhead of how this country can welcome people.
"The debt of honour has been repaid to them.
"The fact that they can now stay and settle here should have happened a long time ago, but the thing is it has happened now, on our watch."
Lumley's father served with the Gurkhas. Soldiers from the 2nd Batallion The Royal Gurkha Rifles returned from Afghanistan six weeks ago after being deployed across Helmand Province in a variety of roles.
Two members of the regiment lost their lives during the deployment.
British Prime Minister Gordon Brown was forced into a U-turn in May on the issue of their right to live in Britain after a relentless five-year campaign.
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