Stop The Service Charge

That the Parliament notes that, as of 6 April 2022, Commonwealth personnel and Gurkhas who have served in the UK Armed Forces for six or more years, or who left the service before this due to injury, will no longer have to pay what it sees as extortionate fees of £2,389 to continue to live in the UK following their service; commends the successful “Stop The Service Charge” campaign by Poppyscotland and its sister charity, The Royal British Legion, in leading a broad coalition of supporters to deliver what it considers as this welcome change in immigration policy; recognises that over the course of the last three years, Poppyscotland has worked together to raise the profile of non-UK serving personnel and their families facing the threat of separation and deportation after years of loyal service in the UK Armed Forces because they have been unable to pay Indefinite Leave to Remain fees; thanks Poppyscotland for, it considers, giving this often-hidden community a voice and public platform, ensuring that their unique and ongoing contribution to the UK Armed Forces and wider society is both recognised and valued, and bringing to an end what it sees as the unjust treatment of non-UK military personnel within the immigration system; understands that the campaign has not ended; believes that whilst the immigration changes represent a major and positive milestone in the campaign, disappointment remains that the UK Government has not agreed to abolish visa fees for the spouses and child dependents of non-UK serving personnel, and wishes all involved in the campaign future success in their continuing calls for further reform.