Commons Sense

House of Commons · Urgent Question

Deprivation of Citizenship Orders (Effect during Appeal) Bill 2025-06-30

30 June 2025 · 11 other contributors

ImmigrationJustice & CourtsStandards & Ethics

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

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.

Key points

  • The Minister explained the purpose of the Deprivation of Citizenship Orders Bill, stating it is essential for national security.
  • The bill aims to address a recent Supreme Court decision to prevent individuals from regaining citizenship automatically during appeal stages.
  • The Minister addressed concerns regarding judicial principles, human rights, and due process raised by MPs.

How the debate unfolded

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

Other contributors (11)
  • 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.

  • Bell Ribeiro-Addy Lab 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.

  • Bell Ribeiro-Addy Lab 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

Dan Jarvis

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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