I will be writing to my MP in the next few days, unlikely it will help, but we must do more......Odo

Those who left the Army before 1997 were not given the right to automatically settle in the UK after four years' service.

Last year, a High Court judge ruled that the policy excluding older veterans was unlawful and in need of urgent review.

Instead of overturning the ruling, the Government has now decided to allow those soldiers who retired prior to July 1997 the automatic right to live in the UK - but only if special circumstances apply, such as they were injured or were awarded a medal for bravery.

Actress Joanna Lumley, who has backed the campaign, said: "The Gurkhas cannot meet these new criteria. "It makes me ashamed of our government. We will fight on. We don't stop. This has been a setback but that is all."

There are currently around 3,500 serving Gurkhas. More than 200,000 fought during the First and Second World Wars, with 43,000 giving their lives.

Ragprasad Purja, 43, served with the Gurkhas for 17 years. He said: "It is the saddest day for the Gurkhas and the saddest day for the British Government.

"I cannot believe that this Government made such a decision. I was proud of my service but now I am very sad."

David Enright, of Howe and Co solicitors, said: "They have set criteria that are unattainable.

"It's a sham and an absolute disgrace. It's far more restrictive than the old policy."

Immigration Minister Phil Woolas said the changes will benefit around 4,300 more ex-Gurkhas out of a total of 36,000, who retired before 1997.

He said: "This guidance honours the service, commitment and gallantry of those who served with the Gurkhas brigade.

"Where there are strong reasons, there has been scope for Gurkhas who retired prior to July 1997 to apply to settle in the UK.

"In fact, because of rules brought in by the Government, we have already welcomed around 6,000 Gurkhas and family members to Britain.

"We will work with the Ministry of Defence to actively inform those who might be eligible in Nepal of these changes."

The Gurkha brigade was formed following the partition of India in 1947 but Nepalese Gurkha soldiers have been part of the British Army for almost 200 years.

Any MP that shows up on Vets. day had better be wearing armoured skiddys as I intend to ream them a new one over this

Here's a thought, the Queen awards the DCM to the Gurkhas, to the regiments as a whole and backdates it to the First World War that way each and every one of them has been awarded a medal for valour and by God they deserve it.

I think that everyone at the Cenotaph in November should turn their back as Brown lays his wreath. That would send a powerful and very dignified message to the rest of the world

I think that everyone at the Cenotaph in November should turn their back as Brown lays his wreath. That would send a powerful and very dignified message to the rest of the world

Is it true that one of the requirements is to have served 20 years but Gurkha infantrymen can only serve a maximum of 15?