A government minister said that the actress and campaigner Joanna Lumley should speak out over the activities of lawyers advising Gurkha veterans who hope to settle in Britain.

An inquiry has begun into claims that Gurkhas are being encouraged to donate money to veterans’ groups in Nepal which then refer them to UK solicitors.

Kevan Jones, the Defence Minister, told the Home Affairs Committee that some advice being given to veterans was misleading, encouraging them to expect homes to be provided when they arrive.

He said that Lumley, who led the campaign that last year forced a policy U-turn, had failed to speak out now that problems had emerged. “Her deathly silence, frankly, irritates me,” he said.

Lord Bach, the Justice Minister, had begun the inquiry after it emerged that legal aid was being claimed for advice to veterans, even though free advice was available through a Ministry of Defence-funded scheme in Nepal.

Mr Jones said that he believed the onus was now on Ms Lumley to speak out and make sure the veterans hoping to come to Britain do not need to pay out and should use the system put in place by the Government.

A spokesman for Lumley said that she did not want to comment.

After the hearing, Kieran O’Rourke, a partner with Howe and Co, which advised the campaign to extend the settlement rights of veteranas, strongly denied that his firm had been involved in any improper conduct.

“We provide our services free of charge to the Gurkhas and we don’t take back-handers. We are whiter than white on this issue. I am not worried about any investigation or allegation – my firm’s hands are completely clean.”

http://www.timesonline.co.uk