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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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27 February 2007
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Immigrants to the UK should do community work before they are granted British citizenship, Chancellor Gordon Brown has said. Mr Brown, who is widely expected to replace Prime Minister Tony Blair when he steps down later this year, told a seminar on Britishness in London that current citizenship ceremonies did not go far enough.
Brown calls for volunteer work for immigrants
Immigrants to the UK should do community work before they are granted British citizenship, Chancellor Gordon Brown has said. Mr Brown, who is widely expected to replace Prime Minister Tony Blair when he steps down later this year, told a seminar on Britishness in London that current citizenship ceremonies did not go far enough.
31 October 2005
New UK citizenship test launched
The government has launched the new ‘Britishness test’, for foreign nationals wishing to become UK citizens. The new ‘Life in the UK’ exam, which will become compulsory from Tuesday, contains 24 multiple-choice questions about British history and culture and everyday life in the UK. The 45-minute exam costs £34 to sit.
New UK citizenship test launched
The government has launched the new ‘Britishness test’, for foreign nationals wishing to become UK citizens. The new ‘Life in the UK’ exam, which will become compulsory from Tuesday, contains 24 multiple-choice questions about British history and culture and everyday life in the UK. The 45-minute exam costs £34 to sit.
04 September 2003
Immigrants could soon sit test on ‘Britishness’
Proposals unveiled by Home Secretary David Blunkett could see immigrants in the UK having to undergo a test of their “Britishness”. If implemented, the proposals from an independent report recommend compulsory examinations based on free short courses to ensure all new citizens can speak English and have an understanding of UK institutions.
Immigrants could soon sit test on ‘Britishness’
Proposals unveiled by Home Secretary David Blunkett could see immigrants in the UK having to undergo a test of their “Britishness”. If implemented, the proposals from an independent report recommend compulsory examinations based on free short courses to ensure all new citizens can speak English and have an understanding of UK institutions.
26 February 2004
UK's first immigrant citizenship ceremony held in London borough
The UK's first-ever citizenship ceremony is being held in the London borough of Brent today, with Prince of Wales on hand to present certificates and a commemorative medal to the new Britons.
UK's first immigrant citizenship ceremony held in London borough
The UK's first-ever citizenship ceremony is being held in the London borough of Brent today, with Prince of Wales on hand to present certificates and a commemorative medal to the new Britons.
02 July 2003
Ofsted calls for better standards in citizenship
Many schools need to do more to ensure effective planning and implementation of the subject, says a report published by the Office for Standards in Education today.
Ofsted calls for better standards in citizenship
Many schools need to do more to ensure effective planning and implementation of the subject, says a report published by the Office for Standards in Education today.
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