Dear Supporter
It has been some time since we sent out an update.
I wanted to share some news with you about a group of Commonwealth soldiers who came from Fiji to join the British Armed Forces, who are taking legal action against the UK government.
They are suing both the Home Office and the Ministry of Defence because having served well over the minimum 4 years service, the government failed to inform them that they were required to make an immediate application for leave to remain to the Home Office on discharge.
Military charities advise that there are hundreds more impacted.
There are also those like Twane who have been impacted because they were discharged early due to injury and medical conditions brought about whilst on active duty.
Those bringing the legal action, like so many others impacted, have found themselves destitute, losing jobs and unable to access NHS services.
If they win their cases it will be a significant development towards bringing about justice for the hundreds of Commonwealth veterans who have been betrayed and found their lives destroyed or placed in limbo because of hostile environment policies.
The British Legion has initiated a campaign against unaffordable immigration fees for Commonwealth Soldiers - the cost for a family is £10,000 - and you can take part in the campaign by writing to your MP via this link;
https://e-activist.com/page/39582/action/1
More info about the campaign here:
Read more in The Guardian:
If you are tweeting about these issues, please use the hashtag #StopTheServiceCharge
Thanks and Regards
Zita