BRITAIN today changed the rules to make thousands more retired Gurkhas eligible to live in Britain - but the stringent conditions were slated by campaigners.

BRITAIN today changed the rules to make thousands more retired Gurkhas eligible to live in Britain - but the stringent conditions were slated by campaigners.

The changes will allow in around 4300 more former Gurkhas out of a total of 36,000 who served in the UK's Armed Forces prior to July 1997.

But the restrictions, which followed a High Court ruling last year, were slated by campaigners, who wanted residency rights for all ex-Gurkha soldiers.

Actress Joanna Lumley, who has backed the fight, said: "The Gurkhas cannot meet these new criteria. It makes me ashamed of our Government.

"We will fight on. We don't stop. This has been a setback but that is all."

Lawyer Martin Howe said: "This is nothing less than an act of treachery. We will be going back to the courts."

Gurkhas and their families will be allowed to settle if they meet one of these five criteria: lThree years' continuous residence in the UK during or after their service.

lClose family in the UK.

lA level 1-3 bravery award (including the Victoria Cross, the Distinguished Service Order and the Military Cross).

lService of 20 years or more in the Gurkhas.

lOr a chronic or long-term medical condition caused by, or aggravated by, service in the brigade.

Immigration Minister Phil Woolas said: "This guidance honours the service, commitment and gallantry of those who served with the Gurkhas brigade."