Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

British National (Overseas) Immigration Pathway

Monday 1 February 2021 · 2 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • There have been no discussions on securing UK citizenship for UK armed forces veterans arriving from Hong Kong via the new BNO immigration pathway.
  • Defence Minister will ensure BNO veterans who have served in the armed forces do not face disadvantage due to their service.
  • Negotiations on the matter are ongoing with Cabinet colleagues.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Margaret Ferrier SNP
Immigration Veterans
Context

No background context provided. The question pertains to discussions on securing UK citizenship for UK armed forces veterans arriving in the UK via the British National (Overseas) immigration pathway.

Question

What discussions he has had with the (a) Prime Minister and (b) Home Secretary on securing UK citizenship for UK armed forces veterans arriving in the UK from Hong Kong via the new British National (Overseas) immigration pathway.

Answer from Johnny Mercer

There have been no discussions on this matter. British national overseas status holders who serve in our armed forces already have the option either to apply for British citizenship while serving or to settle in the UK on discharge. BNO veterans who have not pursued these routes and choose to apply under the new BNO route will be on a pathway to settlement in the UK and can then apply for British citizenship.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answerer did not address whether there were discussions with the Prime Minister or Home Secretary, only providing general information about the BNO status holders' options.

How: No Discussions On This Matter

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q2 Margaret Ferrier SNP
Immigration Defence
Context

No additional background provided. The question pertains to confirming the Minister's commitment to defending the right of British armed forces veterans from Hong Kong to UK citizenship during consultations with Cabinet colleagues.

Question

Can the Defence Minister confirm that he will defend their right to UK citizenship in any consultations on the matter with Cabinet colleagues?

Answer from Johnny Mercer

These negotiations are ongoing at the time. We are very clear, though, that those who have served in the armed forces should suffer no disadvantage because of their service, and that of course extends to those who apply for BNO residency, should they be eligible.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answerer did not confirm a commitment to defend UK citizenship rights during consultations but reiterated principles about service recognition.

How: Negotiations Are Ongoing

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email