AT long last a partial form of justice has been done regarding the rights of our ex-servicemen to British citizenship.

Our comrades in arms, the Ghurkas, have been granted a "right to apply" for a passport they have paid for many times over in their blood.

These wonderful men, always cheerful, totally reliable and constant in their service to this country, must still question why some faceless civil servant not fit to clean their boots has applied a cut-off date. In God's name why?

Why must our rulers always have to act begrudgingly in such matters when an immediate acknowledgement of a right, well earned, would have won the approval of almost everyone. Having served their time, automatic citizenship should be theirs as of right if they opt for it.

We can grant rights to half the scum of the earth, give them benefits and legal assistance and support their families, but the Gurkha is another matter.

Put this injustice right Home Office, these men have earned the right to be called British and they are proud to do so.

Charles Rushton,

Pasture Close,

Strensall,

York.

Updated: 09:36 Saturday, October 02, 2004