Lumley wins apology over Minister's Gurkha 'slur'

Veterans Minister Kevan Jones also apologised "unreservedly" to the actress for his criticism of her "deathly silence" on Gurkha welfare since she forced a Government climbdown last year over the Nepalese troops' right to settle in the UK in retirement.

Ms Lumley made clear that she regarded Mr Jones's comments as a "smear". She called on Mr Brown to restate his support for the resettlement policy, which has seen around 6,000 Gurkhas apply to live in Britain.

Downing Street said the Prime Minister had a "positive" telephone conversation with Ms Lumley, in which he expressed regret over the comments.

The Prime Minister's spokesman said Mr Brown read Ms Lumley the statement of "unreserved apology" that was being offered by Mr Jones.