UK Govt Blocks Citizenship for 400 Gurkhas Who Fought for Britain

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the UK government's decision to block citizenship applications for 400 Gurkhas who served in the British military. Participants express various opinions on the treatment of these veterans compared to other asylum seekers and reflect on the historical loyalty of Gurkhas to Britain.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • One participant cites a Daily Mail report indicating that the UK government has blocked citizenship applications for Gurkhas, suggesting a betrayal of their service.
  • Another participant expresses confusion about the issue and requests links to pro and con arguments.
  • A participant expresses a strong sentiment against antagonizing Gurkhas, implying their formidable reputation.
  • One participant highlights the historical loyalty of Gurkhas, mentioning their service under British rule in Hong Kong and criticizing the government's decision as influenced by financial considerations.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a range of emotions and opinions regarding the treatment of Gurkhas, indicating a lack of consensus on the issue. Some view the government's actions as unjust, while others seek more information to understand the situation better.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference the historical context of Gurkha service and the current political climate, but there are no detailed discussions of specific policies or legal frameworks involved in the citizenship applications.

jimmy p
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I haven't got an link to this because it doesn't seem to be on newspapers online, but maybe it will be in tomorrow's online news.

Anyway, from the Daily Mail

Four hundred Gurkhas who risked their lives fighting for Britain have had their applications for UK citizenship blocked by the Government.

Tony Blair was last night accused of an "appalling" betrayal of the retired soldiers, who have been battling for the right to become British. Supporters say the thousands of asylum seekers arriving in Britain every month are given a better deal and the Gurkhas are being treated unjustly...

I think this quote from a soldier says it all...

"We'd have better treatment if we jumped out of a truck at Dover"
 
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I'm totally in the dark re: this issue. Perhaps some pro and con links would help?
 
I don't think I would ever do anything to piss off a Gurkha.
 
This annoys me. The Ghurkas under Hong Kong have basically served Britain for years, no questions. They have always proved very loyal to whichever country owned them at the time.

Australia had the chance to gain some when HK went over to China, but turned them down.

But this is what happens when your nation is ruled by money.
 

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