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British Citizenship (Northern Ireland) Bill - Sitting 1

17 April 2024

Proposing MP
Carolyn Harris Lab
Neath and Swansea East
Type
Public Bill Committee

At a Glance

Issue Summary

Carolyn Harris discusses several amendments related to the British Citizenship (Northern Ireland) Bill, focusing on changing eligibility criteria for British citizenship from persons born in Ireland to Irish citizens who have lived in the United Kingdom. The statement discusses the British Citizenship (Northern Ireland) Bill, which aims to provide British citizenship to Irish citizens living in the United Kingdom. The statement discusses the progress of the British Citizenship (Northern Ireland) Bill, highlighting its importance and the support it has received. The statement discusses amendments to the British Citizenship (Northern Ireland) Bill that broaden eligibility for British citizenship to Irish citizens who meet specific residency requirements.

Action Requested

Harris proposes amendments to expand the eligibility for British citizenship to include all Irish citizens residing in the UK for five years, rather than just those born in Ireland after a specific date. She also requests changes to the bill's title and short title to reflect these modifications.

Key Facts

  • Amendments 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 change eligibility criteria from 'persons born in Ireland' to 'Irish citizens'.
  • The amendments require Irish citizens to have lived in the United Kingdom for five years prior to their application.
  • Amendment 6 changes the bill's short title from 'Citizenship (Northern Ireland)' to 'Nationality (Irish Citizens)'.
  • The Bill seeks to resolve an issue first raised in 1985.
  • Lord Hay of Ballyore has been a long-standing advocate for these changes since 2001.
  • Irish citizens moving throughout the UK are exempt from immigration formalities and enjoy various rights similar to British citizens.
  • The Bill is a Private Member's Bill introduced by Gavin Robinson.
  • It aims to remove barriers to British citizenship for people from Northern Ireland.
  • Support has been expressed from various Members of Parliament across different parties.
  • Amendments broaden eligibility for British citizenship under new section 4AA.
  • Irish citizens who have lived in the UK for five years can apply for British citizenship.
  • Original amendments change references from 'Northern Ireland' to 'the United Kingdom'.
  • Bill's short title changed from 'Citizenship (Northern Ireland)' to 'Nationality (Irish Citizens)'.
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