Commons Sense

House of Commons · Bill Debate

The British Nationality Bill - Clause 1

06 June 2023 · 8 other contributors

Opened by Robert Jenrick Reform Newark

Immigration

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Robert Jenrick raised concerns about the british nationality bill - clause 1 in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.

Key points

  • The British Nationality Bill aims to address a technical legal issue identified by the Home Office regarding EEA nationals in the UK from 1 January 1983 to 1 October 2000.
  • The Bill seeks to provide legal certainty for individuals born in the UK to parents who were settled under free movement rights.
  • Clarification is sought to ensure such individuals are treated as British citizens.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Robert Jenrick Reform Newark

Moves the Bill to address a technical legal issue identified by the Home Office with regard to the criteria for determining whether European Economic Area nationals living in the UK during the period from 1 January 1983 to 1 October 2000 were 'settled'. The Bill aims to provide reassurance and legal certainty about the citizenship status of individuals born in the UK to parents who were considered settled on the basis of exercising a free movement right, clarifying that such individuals should be treated as British citizens.

Other contributors (8)
  • Layla Moran Lib Dem Oxford West and Abingdon

    Welcomes the Bill. Highlights a constituent who had to prove her nationality despite living in the UK for 33 years, showing that the legislation will resolve issues of this kind.

  • Theresa Villiers Con

    Welcomes the swift action taken by the Government. Emphasises a constituent's case where a son was told his citizenship was in jeopardy, underscoring the importance of legal certainty.

  • Gregory Campbell DUP East Londonderry

    Supports the Bill and requests that once it passes, the Minister looks at providing British passports to individuals born in Ireland after 1948 who currently cannot get them without naturalising.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Fully supports and welcomes the Bill. Requests clarification from the Minister on the issuance of British passports to citizens born in the United Kingdom, addressing concerns about a united Ireland.

  • Stephen Kinnock Lab Aberafan Maesteg

    Stephen Kinnock supports the Bill, emphasising its narrow scope and purpose to codify legal entitlements for individuals born in the UK to EU parents between 1983 and 2000. He appreciates the Home Office's position regarding passport applications on hold due to recent litigation and asks about further research by the ONS, immediate processing of paused applications once the Bill is enacted, advice and support provisions, expedited procedures for future applications, and fee plans.

  • Alison Thewliss

    Alison Thewliss supports the clarity provided by the Bill amid Home Office confusion. She acknowledges the uncertainty faced by those applying for passports and seeks detailed information on how many individuals are affected, what steps will be taken to ensure they know their rights, and assurances against future EEA Windrush-like situations. Alison highlights the need for clearer, simpler processes around citizenship and passport applications.

  • Robert Jenrick Reform Newark

    Responded to questions raised by other MPs, emphasised that the legislation will confirm citizenship rights retrospectively for British citizens who have been affected by recent litigation. Noted that 95 passport applications were paused and assured these individuals would be processed as soon as possible without additional fees. Stressed there was no need for further research or compensation beyond processing passport applications quickly.

  • Alison Thewliss SNP Glasgow Central

    [INTERVENTION] Suggested that in cases of casework delays, a consolatory payment is sometimes offered. Asked if such a payment would be appropriate for the 95 individuals affected by passport application pauses.

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