Shameful treatment of Gurkhas

This morning’s newspapers make grim reading for the Labour Government in general and Gordon Brown in particular.

The Prime Minister’s attempt to block Gurkha soldiers from being given equal rights of residence in Britain showed once again how out of touch he is with the public mood.

"Better to die than be a coward" is the motto of these incredibly brave men who form an integral part of the British Army.

As such, the least this country can do is show its gratitude by allowing them to settle here if they wish to do so.

Despite Gordon Brown’s attempts to suggest that changing the rules would lead to a flood of Gurkhas and their families, this was never going to be the case.

A very large number have already said they do not plan to come here but simply wanted to have the same rights as other soldiers who have served this country – as they should.

As a former soldier myself, I am very aware of the incredible achievements and dedication of the Gurkha Brigade.

Their dignity and decency contrasts very sharply with the shameful behaviour and attitude demonstrated by Gordon Brown and also those other Labour MPs who yesterday attempted to deny the Gurkhas justice.

I was very sorry to learn that Keighley and Ilkley MP Ann Cryer was one of them.

Ready for the gun

Sometimes in life – especially if you’re a politician – you have to step forward, take responsibility, show leadership. And be prepared to make a complete fool of yourself.

It is with this in mind that I have agreed to run as 'Cliffe the Castle' in the Mascot Gold Cup 2009 at Wetherby races on 26th April for Sue Ryder Care - Manorlands Hospice.

The race is over the final furlong (220 yards) with six fences between me and the finish line. Before the race I will also be involved in the 'Best Turned Out Mascot' competition when the mascot that has raised the most for their chosen good cause will also be named.

Manorlands Hospice – at Oxenhope in Keighley - provides specialist palliative care for patients from Airedale, Craven Bradford and Wharfedale with cancer and other life limiting illnesses.

Manorlands relies on voluntary contributions for the majority of its income and never charges patients for any of the care they receive. Last year the hospice cared for 650 patients and supported hundreds more relatives, carers and friends of patients.

Obviously, I want to raise as much as I can and would therefore welcome any contribution you feel able to make.

The easiest way to do this is by donating online at www.justgiving.co.uk/krishopkins

I hope you can help.

Will there be bloopers in The Gordon Show?

As world leaders arrive in advance of the G20 summit in London, one must hope that something positive emerges when the final communiqué is issued although I’m very doubtful that it will.

But whatever way you look at it, it is simply impossible not to escape the obvious conclusion that the whole event was conceived by Gordon Brown - who is now attempting to stage manage it - simply for the purpose of making him look good in front of a domestic audience.

However, each of the other Prime Ministers and Presidents taking part in the discussions have their own political agendas.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, for example, has a General Election to worry about in six months’ time. French President Nicholas Sarkozy has also made ominous noises that he intends to do things his way.

So will it all go wrong for Gordon?

Alongside my day job and my campaigning activities in Keighley and Ilkley, it really will be an engrossing spectator sport to keep an eye on over the next 36 hours.