Kevan Jones backs down in Joanna Lumley Gurkha row

Mar 30 2010 by Kerry Wood, The Journal

A NORTH East MP has backed down in a clash with television star and Gurkhas campaigner Joanna Lumley.

The verbal battle between North Durham MP Kevan Jones and the small screen veteran began after Ms Lumley spearheaded a campaign which saw Government ministers agree to throw out rules preventing retired Gurkhas from settling in the UK.

With the victory under her belt Mr Jones told MPs there had been “a deathly silence” from Ms Lumley on the issue of Gurkha resettlement since ministers backed down and that her silence irritated him.

But the Absolutely Fabulous and New Avengers star was quick to hit back and rounded angrily on the MP saying his comments were part of a smear campaign against those fighting the Gurkha cause.

Joined by campaigner Peter Carroll and legal advisors, Ms Lumley prepared to stand resolute against the MP.

But minutes before she spoke yesterday Mr Jones issued a hasty apology.

In the statement he did a U-turn on his previous comments, this time saying he has “the greatest of respect for Joanna for the superb work that she has done on Gurkha issues.”

He added: “I apologise unreservedly for any offence caused to Joanna Lumley by my remarks to the Home Affairs Committee – this was not intended.