LIBERAL Democrats in Bolton West are calling on Ruth Kelly, the Labour MP for the constituency, to support the Gurkhas after she voted against proposals to allow those who had fought for Britain to remain in the UK.

Leading the call is Jackie Pearcey, the Lib Dem Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Bolton West, who has said how disappointed she is that the MP for the area voted to back to the Government’s policy of deporting Gurkhas.

She was shocked to hear that when asked by Liberal Democrat councillors about the scandal, Labour chiefs at a recent Bolton Council meeting trotted out the same negative response like Gordon Brown’s about these brave and loyal supporters of Britain.

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

“I was greatly disappointed that Ruth Kelly voted for thousands of Gurkhas to be deported from the UK,” said Jackie Pearcey. “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 sorry that Ruth Kelly 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. I urge Ms Kelly to have a change of heart and press the Prime Minister to bring forward new proposals as soon as possible.”