Back Gurkhas now - Lib Dems tell Tom Levitt

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 30th Apr 2009

Liberal Democrats in the High Peak are calling on Tom Levitt, Labour MP to support the Gurkhas after he voted against proposals to allow those who had fought for Britain to remain in the UK.

Leading the call is High Peak Liberal Democrat Steve Sharp who is totally disgusted that Tom Levitt the MP for the area voted to back to the Government's policy of deporting Gurkhas.

Steve said "At times I am ashamed to say I am British subject and this is one of them, what a deplorable situation this Labour Government has got us in. To treat men and their families who have given over two hundred years service to Britain, many paying the ultimate sacrifice is nothing short of a total betrayal.

"This decision has done more damage to the already tarnished view of politicians in the country, if this is best we can come up with I really wonder if this a career path I want to follow.

The vote on a Liberal Democrat motion was held in the House of Commons on 29th April and resulted in a shock defeat for the Government. Tom Levitt as always sided with the losing side, despite the overwhelming popular support for the Gurkhas.

"I was greatly disappointed that Tom Levitt voted for thousands of Gurkhas to be deported from the UK," said Steve. "But the Government was defeated because a few brave Labour MPs defied their party bosses and backed the Gurkhas who have so bravely fought for Britain.

"The Government has a moral duty to support those who have put their lives on the line to protect our freedoms and fight for our country. I am disgusted and embarrassed that Tom Levitt representing the people of the High Peak has voted the opposite way.

"The Government must take notice of the will of Parliament and bring back new proposals that will allow Gurkhas to stay rather than have them kicked out of the country, they need to bring forward new acceptable proposals as soon as possible."