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British Citizenship (Northern Ireland) Bill: Instruction
05 March 2024
Lead MP
Tom Pursglove
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
Northern Ireland
Other Contributors: 2
At a Glance
Tom Pursglove raised concerns about british citizenship (northern ireland) bill: instruction in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.
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
The British Citizenship (Northern Ireland) Bill, as currently drafted, allows only people born in Ireland after 31 December 1948 and have been resident in Northern Ireland for five years to register as British citizens. Tom Pursglove's motion seeks amendments that would apply the provisions to all eligible Irish nationals of all ages who live anywhere in the United Kingdom for five years. The proposed amendment ensures eligibility regardless of how one became an Irish national, removes a requirement for birth after 31 December 1948, and expands qualifying residence from Northern Ireland to any part of the UK.
Feryal Clark
Lab
Enfield North
The official Opposition supports the changes proposed by Tom Pursglove. Feryal Clark reaffirms Labour's support for the Bill, expressed previously on Second Reading.
Gavin Robinson
DUP
Belfast East
Gavin Robinson thanks the Minister and shadow minister for their engagement on the issue and supports the procedural instruction put forward by Tom Pursglove. He appreciates that officials have been very helpful in addressing the issue, and notes that there is no requirement to limit eligibility based on birth before or after 31 December 1948. Robinson agrees with extending eligibility beyond Northern Ireland residents.
Shadow Response
Feryal Clark
Shadow Response
His Majesty’s official Opposition support the changes to the Bill.
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Assessment & feedback
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