A Hounslow Gurkha is celebrating the "greatest victory" for his community after a surprise Commons vote ruled all Gurkha veterans should have the right to settle in the UK.

Dharma Tamang, 48, of Standard Road, who travelled to Parliament on Wednesday to hear the announcement, said the motion, backed by 27 rebel Labour MPs, was an "uplifting boost" to the community which was left shaken after a government announcement that ruled Gurkas were only eligible for full UK rights if they met strict rules.

Although the motion is not binding, the 21-vote defeat was humiliating for Gordon Brown, whose announcement last week will only allow 100 Gurkas out of more than 36, 000 to stay in the UK.

Mr Tamang, who served in the Army for 15 years, said: "Last week everything and everyone was demoralised.

“Now our hearts are uplifted and we are all incredibly emotional. After years of campaigning we have had a dramatic boost to our morale and we thank the British public from the bottom of our hearts.

"On Wednesday I had so many phone calls from my former colleagues all emotional but feeling the British public and the media are behind them.

“Everybody, all communities and families have been through a terrible time, the feeling is now very happy and looking forward to the future."

Mr Tamang said five of his colleagues had died before last week’s announcement and one of his friends was in critical condition in hospital waiting for news on his status.

"Many of our colleagues who served the Queen and country died waiting for this announcement.

“Now we feel very emotional the British public and the government have ruled in our favour.

“I can't describe how grateful we feel, all I can say is thank you, thank you so much.”

Last week the Home Office stated Gurkhas and their families would be allowed to stay in the UK if they meet at least one of five requirements including, three years of continuous residence in the UK, close family in the country, 20 or more years of service, a level one to three bravery award, and a serious medical condition caused or aggravated by service.

Alternatively, veterans can gain residency if they meet at least two of an additional set of three criteria.

These are having been awarded a MoD disability pension but no longer having a chronic condition, having been mentioned in dispatches, and 10 years’ service or a campaign medal.

It is estimated Hounslow’s Gurkha population has risen since the last census from 200 to 500.

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