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British Nationality (Irish Citizens) Act 2024
15 July 2025
Lead MP
Gregory Campbell
East Londonderry
DUP
Responding Minister
Seema Malhotra
Tags
Northern Ireland
Word Count: 3400
Other Contributors: 4
At a Glance
Gregory Campbell raised concerns about british nationality (irish citizens) act 2024 in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The lead MP asks for equitable treatment of individuals based on their nationality choice within the UK constitutional framework and highlights the need for people with Irish passports to have access to British embassy protection.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Successive UK Governments have determined how nationality in Northern Ireland is dealt with through internationally binding agreements such as the Anglo-Irish agreement, Belfast Agreement and St Andrews agreement. However, people born after 1949 who moved from what is now the Republic of Ireland to Northern Ireland faced difficulties obtaining a British passport without going through an expensive naturalisation process.
Carla Lockhart
DUP
Upper Bann
Ms Lockhart agreed with her hon. Friend that the current process is complicated, particularly financially.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Supports enabling those who designate as British to obtain a British passport, emphasizing the benefits and protections it offers.
Campbell
DUP
East Londonderry
Discussed the incongruity of Lord Hay's participation in the Act despite not being able to acquire a passport himself.
Acknowledged contributions, outlined cost differences for naturalisation and registration fees for Irish citizens, discussed financial viability, and answered questions about citizenship ceremonies in Northern Ireland.
Government Response
Seema Malhotra
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department
Government Response
The Minister acknowledged the contributions made by Members and thanked them for their engagement on this issue. She noted that while significant progress has been made, there are still issues to be addressed. Seema Malhotra announced the commencement of the Act in Northern Ireland last week and highlighted its importance in recognising shared cultural, historic, and geographical connections between Britain and Ireland.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.