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25/07/2003
New citizenship ceremonies to be trialled
The government is asking for views on new citizenship ceremonies that will be trialled in eight areas early next year.
New citizens will continue to swear allegiance to The Queen but will also make a new pledge to uphold the UK's rights, freedoms and democratic values.
The consultation paper seeks views on the content of the ceremonies - including how they can have a "local flavour".
Home Office Minister Beverley Hughes said: "Becoming a British citizen should not be about obtaining a bit of paper and a passport. It is something to be celebrated - both by those who qualify and by the wider communities of which they are a part."
The ceremonies will enable more focus to be placed on the fact that citizenship carries with it "both rights and responsibilities". The Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 already requires applicants to demonstrate "sufficient knowledge of English, Welsh or Scottish Gaelic" and knowledge of life in the UK.
The pilot areas are Brent, Liverpool, Wandsworth, Oldham, Kent, Cardiff, Telford and Glasgow.
The Life in the United Kingdom Advisory Group is examining how best to implement the new provisions to provide new citizens with practical help to facilitate their integration. It will publish its recommendations shortly.
(GMcG)
New citizens will continue to swear allegiance to The Queen but will also make a new pledge to uphold the UK's rights, freedoms and democratic values.
The consultation paper seeks views on the content of the ceremonies - including how they can have a "local flavour".
Home Office Minister Beverley Hughes said: "Becoming a British citizen should not be about obtaining a bit of paper and a passport. It is something to be celebrated - both by those who qualify and by the wider communities of which they are a part."
The ceremonies will enable more focus to be placed on the fact that citizenship carries with it "both rights and responsibilities". The Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 already requires applicants to demonstrate "sufficient knowledge of English, Welsh or Scottish Gaelic" and knowledge of life in the UK.
The pilot areas are Brent, Liverpool, Wandsworth, Oldham, Kent, Cardiff, Telford and Glasgow.
The Life in the United Kingdom Advisory Group is examining how best to implement the new provisions to provide new citizens with practical help to facilitate their integration. It will publish its recommendations shortly.
(GMcG)
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Church Of England Introduces Relaxed Wedding Laws
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