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Gordon Brown's Government were defeated yesterday (29 April) on a Liberal Democrat "Opposition Day" motion to withdraw the new guidelines immediately and bring forward revised proposals that extend an equal right of residence to all Gurkhas.

The Government was defeated by 267 votes to 246. Kent  MP Bob Marshall-Andrews was the only county Labour politician to vote against his party.

Speaking in the Commons before the vote, Folkestone and Hythe MP Michael Howard said: "The 2nd Battalion the Royal Gurkha Rifles is based at Shorncliffe, in my constituency.

"In a bitter irony, soldiers from that battalion returned to Shorncliffe on Sunday 19 April, 10 days ago—just five days before the Government made their announcement—from a tour of duty in Afghanistan. It was a tour of duty in which, yet again, they demonstrated their heroism and valour, and during which they lost two of their comrades. On Tuesday 4 November, Rifleman Yubraj Rai received a gunshot wound from enemy fire. He received medical treatment at the scene but he died a short time later from his wounds.

"Only a few days later, on Saturday 15 November, Colour Sergeant Krishnabahadur Dura was taking part in a road move in the Musa Qala district of Helmand, when the Warrior infantry fighting vehicle in which he was travelling was struck by an explosive device.

"Those Gurkha soldiers made the supreme sacrifice for our country. When they died, the Prime Minister told the House that we should never forget the sacrifice that they had made, just as he did some three hours ago in respect of the death of the Welsh Guardsman who lost his life yesterday. However, those words must be accompanied by deeds.

"When the Gurkhas returned to Shorncliffe 10 days ago, they were warmly welcomed home by the rest of my constituents. The welcome home that they got from the Government was the decision that we are debating this afternoon. The Gurkhas are a most cherished part of the community that I represent in this place. To say that they are held in high regard would be a gross understatement."

Mr Howard went on the talk about the Gurkha statue appeal at the Hawkinge Community Centre. He told MPs: "Two weeks ago, I attended and spoke at the launch of an appeal in Folkestone for the erection of a statue dedicated to the Gurkhas. Hundreds of people turned up: Gurkhas themselves, including their two holders of the Victoria cross, our highest award for valour—Tul Bahadur Pun and Lachhiman Gurung—civic dignitaries of the area and many local people, who wanted to show the affection and esteem in which the Gurkhas are held locally.

"We are proud to have them as members of our local community. We are not proud of the Government’s decision, which we are debating this afternoon."

The Liberal Democrats and Conservatives have called on the Government to make a statement on how they intend to respond to the clear will of the House for a fairer deal for Gurkhas.

Commenting after the vote Liberal Democrat Leader Nick Clegg said: "This is a historic victory for the Gurkhas who have served our country so bravely.

"This Government has now lost its moral authority. From the first moment I challenged Gordon Brown on this over a year ago, he didn't understand that there was a simple moral principle at stake.

"People who are willing to die for our country, should be allowed to live in our country.

"The Government must listen to Parliament and scrap these shameful rules immediately and grant justice without conditions to all retired Gurkhas."