Decorated Gurkha's plea to British Queen

Amid growing public anger over the government's refusal to allow Gurkhas of the British Army to settle in the country they served, a decorated veteran has appealed to the Queen to allow his granddaughter to stay here to look after him.

Lachhiman Gurung, winner of Victoria Cross for bravery during the Second World War has made a fervent appeal to Queen Elizabeth II and prime minister Gordon Brown to allow his granddaughter to stay here to look after him.

Gurung, now 91, lost an arm and the sight in one eye after he single-handedly repelled a Japanese attack for four hours in the Second World War, despite suffering horrific injuries.

Gurung needs constant care from his 20-year-old granddaughter, Amrita, but she faces deportation.

"I have paid a great price for Britain, but I do not complain as I love this country as much as I love my family.? However, in my last days I ask Her Majesty the Queen to help by allowing my granddaughter to be with me and at my side," Gurung said.

Quoting Home Office sources, The Daily Telegraph today reported that Amrita may be able to apply for a temporary "carer's" visa - but that would only keep her here for three months.

Amid growing public anger over the government's refusal to allow Gurkha veterans to settle in the UK, British lawmakers have told ministers to rewrite the immigration rules for the Nepalese former servicemen.

Lawmakers on Wednesday voted 267-246 in favour of a motion to scrap the rules announced last week. The government will bring forward new rules in the summer, and has promised to reflect the will of the House of Commons.

Gurkhas, who retired from the Army after 1997, can settle in Britain but older veterans cannot, a position termed as illegal by the High Court.

Immigration minister Woolas claimed that admitting all Gurkhas retired before 1997 would cost "billions", with the already-stretched defence budget bearing the cost.