The Government does something righteous - for once.
"Commonwealth soldiers serving in the British Armed Forces abroad can now gain UK citizenship under a change to the rules announced by the Home Office today. To reflect the commitment and sacrifice made by serviceman (sic) from outside the UK in the British forces, they will now be eligible to apply for citizenship despite having been stationed abroad for the majority of their service". (Source)
And not before time, frankly.
And not before time, frankly.
We can now look forward to the 1st Rumanian Regiment and the Bulgarian Guards then.
Croydonian said... 12:38 pm
Bulgars and Romanians are not Commonwealth nationals....
VC holder Johnson Beharry was born Grenadan, and I think it is fair to say that he has added to the nation.
Rigger Mortice said... 1:27 pm
don't slag it off,given the shortages in the army and there are many,these people are a godsend.fijians,kiwis and Aussies have been se4rving in the army for years
Croydonian said... 1:40 pm
RM - Aye. Doing the right thing by the Gurkhas would be another step in the right direction.
Anonymous said... 2:09 pm
as long as they don't sneak Polish Policemen into this category
Croydonian said... 2:13 pm
Ah - ancient jokes dept:
Why do Romanian secret policemen go around in threes?
One who can read and write, one who can use a phone, and one to keep an eye on the two dangerous intellectuals.
The Hitch said... 2:37 pm
More ghurkas less burquas !
Anonymous said... 2:39 pm
Croydonian, you took the words right out of my computer. The way the government has treated the Gurkhas is beyond belief and they need to rectify that. I hope this new law includes them.
Croydonian said... 2:45 pm
V - Ish:
"Serving members of the Brigade of Gurkhas will continue to be treated in accordance with the British Government's long-standing agreement with the Government of Nepal that they must remain Nepalese citizens until they leave the Brigade of Gurkhas. After they have left the Brigade however they will be able to count their Armed Forces service, at home or abroad, towards their application for UK citizenship". Source.
Anonymous said... 4:52 pm
My cursory understanding of the law leads me to think a legal human rights challenge to allow any serving personnel the right to citizenship is but a Cherie away.
Not that I am against this, ex-forces people are likley to be a good addition to our society more oftne than not.
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