Gurkha follow up ...

For those who have shown interest into the Gurkhas plight - I was pleased that with this particular online petition they actually keep you informed and today I received the following email:

I'm delighted to be able to say that the Gurkha Justice Campaign now has over 55,000 signatures - thank you so much.

I've recorded a special video message for all the supporters of the Gurkha Justice Campaign which you can see at http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=InjrGSHMQ2I and you can find more information at our newly updated web site www.gurkhajustice.org.uk

Please do make sure all your family, friends, colleagues know about the petition at www.gurkhajustice.org.uk - I REALLY want to get more signatures, and need your help. If everyone getting this email could encourage just 20 friends to sign, we'd beat our target immediately.

I was delighted to be in Westminster on Monday at the third reading of Lord Lee of Trafford's Immigration (Discharged Gurkhas) Bill in the House of Lords (http://tinyurl.com/3nekbe). The bill was unopposed in the Lords, and now goes to the House of Commons - if there is enough time in this session. Although it's apparently quite rare for a Private Members Bill to get accepted by the Government, I hope they will do so in this case - it simply does everything we want. We just need to convince the Government to agree.

After the third reading debate was over, I went to a meeting with some real ex-Gurkha heroes including Honorary Lieutenant Tul Bahadur Pun VC who served as a Chindit in Burma with my father. At the meeting, it was fantastic to receive pledges of support from lots of MPs, peers and campaigners from all parties (and crossbenchers) to support Lord Lee's Bill.

Many people have asked for a petition form they can give to family and friends - this can be downloaded from http://gurkhajustice.org.uk/gurkha_campaign_petition_form.pdf or they can sign up on the site directly.

With warmest good wishes,

Joanna www.gurkhajustice.org.uk

PS. As you can see in the video, I've made good use of my Gurkha Justice t-shirt this week - a really simple way to show my support for the campaign and get the web site address out quickly. So many people have asked where they can get one that we've set up an online shop - so you can buy a Gurkha Justice t-shirt or sweatshirt and help spread the word with pride too.

You can buy from http://gurkhajustice.spreadshirt.net - every item sold from this online shop will make the campaign a small profit which will be used to further promote the cause.