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Deprivation of Citizenship Orders (Effect during Appeal) Bill 2025-06-30
30 June 2025
Lead MP
Debate Type
Urgent Question
Tags
Taxation
Other Contributors: 11
At a Glance
raised concerns about deprivation of citizenship orders (effect during appeal) bill 2025-06-30 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
No extracted lead statement available yet.
Gareth Snell
Lab/Co-op
Stoke-on-Trent Central
Question
Asked how many individuals who currently have an appeal that has not yet been heard will ultimately be affected by the bill.
Minister reply
The Minister responded with statistics, stating from 2018 to 2023, on average 12 people a year were deprived of their citizenship where it was conducive to the public good. From 2018 to 2022 there were an average of 151 cases per year in fraud-related deprivations.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
Asked if the bill ensures that no person can bypass citizenship revocation measures by using an alternative passport.
Minister reply
The Minister acknowledged the need to close a loophole and said he would come back with a response at the end of the debate.
Kit Malthouse
Con
North West Hampshire
Question
Asked about referring to 'a loophole' in the bill, arguing it removes an important principle of British justice that successful appeal equals vindication.
Minister reply
The Minister stated he would address this point later.
Deirdre Costigan
Lab
Ealing Southall
Question
Asked for confirmation that the bill means we will continue to use the power to deprive people of their citizenship very sparingly and that there will be no changes to the existing right of appeal or any widening of the reasoning under which someone would be deprived of citizenship.
Minister reply
The Minister assured that the bill is narrowly drawn, does not represent any widening of existing arrangements, and the right of appeal is unaffected.
Clapham
Question
Asked why depriving someone of citizenship would be necessary when they could simply be jailed if their actions warrant it.
Minister reply
The Minister explained the bill is in response to a recent Supreme Court decision and does not represent any widening of existing arrangements.
Pete Wishart
SNP
Perth and Kinross-shire
Question
Asked for assurance that appeals will be speeded up so cases can be resolved without being prolonged.
Minister reply
The Minister assured due process would be respected, decisions made carefully by the Home Secretary in accordance with international law.
Clapham and Brixton Hill
Question
I hope the Minister understands the assurances I have been asking for. This will be the third time I have asked. Why cannot dangerous individuals be dealt with under other pieces of legislation?
Minister reply
The Bill has been carefully and narrowly drafted, ensuring that it does not widen the situation under which people can be deprived of their citizenship. The Government aim to protect the public from high-harm individuals such as extremists, terrorists, and serious organised criminals.
Spencer
Con
Runnymede and Weybridge
Question
Not explicitly provided in the transcript but implied through contributions
Minister reply
I want to reflect briefly on the contribution made by Dr Spencer, acknowledging his thoughtful speech. The Government are acting in good faith to ensure we are best placed to keep the country safe.
Kit Malthouse
Con
North West Hampshire
Question
I can imagine that situation, but I have been an enthusiastic supporter of lots of powers to protect the public from people from whom the Government cannot remove citizenship. Why are these measures not good enough for those on whom the Minister is conferring second-class citizenship?
Minister reply
Given the constraints on parliamentary time and the bandwidth of Government, we seek to go back to a position that ensures we have powers necessary to respond in circumstances where individuals pose threats.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
In relation to dual British-Irish nationals, can you confirm what would happen if they were deprived of their citizenship?
Minister reply
A dual British-Irish national could be deprived of British citizenship and excluded by the Home Secretary. An Irish national who had been excluded from the UK would then require leave to enter.
Government Response
The Minister provided an overview of the purpose and necessity of the Deprivation of Citizenship Orders Bill, emphasising its role in maintaining national security. He discussed how the bill addresses a recent Supreme Court decision that impacts deprivation orders during appeal stages, ensuring individuals do not regain citizenship automatically until all appeals are exhausted. The Minister also addressed specific concerns raised by MPs regarding judicial principles, human rights, and due process.
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