VOA标准英语2009年-Veteran Nepalese Gurkha Soldiers Win Right

Bowing to public and political pressure, Prime Minister Gordon Brown's government has announced a major policy u-turn that will allow nearly 40,000 veteran Gurkha soldiers the right to settle in Britain. The tough Nepalese fighters have been a part of the British army for nearly 200 years and 43,000 lost their lives in the two World Wars.

They have fought bravely for Britain for years, but their toughest battle was won on May 21, 2009 when the government reversed its position and opened the door to veteran Gurkha soldiers who wish to move to the United Kingdom.

The historic announcement was made by Home Secretary Jacqui Smith in the House of Commons. Outside parliament, a group of Gurkhas hung on her every word.

"All former Gurkhas who retired¹ before 1997 and who have served more than four years will now be eligible² to apply for settlement in the U.K.," said Smith.

The change in government policy was well supported by the people of Britain who know the sacrifice Gurkhas have made over the years. The fearsome Nepalese soldiers have been fighting for Britain since 1815, most recently in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Home Secretary Smith's announcement in the commons reflected the mood of the country.

"Mr. Speaker on the basis of the measure, I have set out today I am proud now to be able to offer this country's welcome to all who have served in the brigade of Gurkhas and who wish to settle here," said Smith. "I am sure that all who do come here will make the most of the opportunities of living and working in the U.K., and I am delighted that we now have been able to agree across government, across the House and with the Gurkhas' representatives new settlement rights that all those who have served us so well, so highly deserve and I commend this statement to the House."
　
British actress and Gurkha rights campaigner Joanna Lumley, centre, Gurkha veterans and supporters, react, outside the Houses of Parliament, London, 21 May 2009

Actress Joanna Lumley, whose father served with the Gurkhas, spearheaded the campaign to change the rules. Surrounded by Gurkha vets³, she thanked those who stood with them.

"I want to thank everybody who has supported this campaign. We have had unprecedented⁴ support from all across the country and I must add, all across the world," she said. "Everybody has wanted to support the Gurkhas and to allow them into this country. I must pay special tribute to the fourth estate, the ladies and gentlemen of the press and media without whom our voices could not have been heard. I want to thank everybody who has supported us in the smallest and largest way. But best of all and most of all and what the prime minister said to me this morning, we want to thank the Gurkhas!"

And from the Gurkhas, a chant the embattled prime minister has not heard for a while.

"Three cheers for Gordon Brown! Hip⁵ hip hooray! Hip hip hooray! Hip hip hooray! Thank you very much," said the Gurkhas.

It is not known how many of the Gurkhas may actually to take up the offer and move to Britain, but Home Secretary Smith said she expects to welcome 10- to 15,000 applications during the next two years.

1 retired   

adj.隐退的，退休的，退役的

参考例句：

• The old man retired to the country for rest.这位老人下乡休息去了。
• Many retired people take up gardening as a hobby.许多退休的人都以从事园艺为嗜好。

2 eligible   

adj.有条件被选中的；(尤指婚姻等)合适(意)的

参考例句：

• He is an eligible young man.他是一个合格的年轻人。
• Helen married an eligible bachelor.海伦嫁给了一个中意的单身汉。

3 vets   

abbr.veterans （复数）老手，退伍军人；veterinaries （复数）兽医n.兽医( vet的名词复数 )；老兵；退伍军人；兽医诊所v.审查（某人过去的记录、资格等）( vet的第三人称单数 )；调查；检查；诊疗

参考例句：

• I helped train many young vets and veterinary nurses too. 我还帮助培训了许多年青的兽医和护士。 来自互联网
• In fact, we've expanded mental health counseling and services for our vets. 实际上，我们已经扩大了退伍军人的心理健康咨询和服务。 来自互联网

4 unprecedented   

adj.无前例的，新奇的

参考例句：

• The air crash caused an unprecedented number of deaths.这次空难的死亡人数是空前的。
• A flood of this sort is really unprecedented.这样大的洪水真是十年九不遇。

5 hip   

n.臀部，髋；屋脊

参考例句：

• The thigh bone is connected to the hip bone.股骨连着髋骨。
• The new coats blouse gracefully above the hip line.新外套在臀围线上优美地打着褶皱。