Labour MP Stella Creasy has hit out at new Home Office guidance that effectively bars people who arrived by small boat from claiming citizenship – branding it ‘counterproductive’
Stella Creasy urges government not to change citizenship rules
A Labour MP has lashed out at “counterproductive” Home Office rules which would deny Paddington Bear getting a British passport.
Stella Creasy has urged ministers to tear up new guidelines that mean people who reach the UK by “dangerous” routes will not be granted citizenship. The new rules, quietly brought in this week, mean that people who arrived by small boat or on the back of a lorry are unlikely to have their application approved – sparking anger around human rights groups.
Ms Creasy branded it “counterproductive”, and said it would prevent people being able to intergrate into the UK. She told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “This process would essentially deny, well, frankly, Paddington. Paddington did the same thing, he came here on a irregular route, we gave him sanctuary but not a passport.”
The MP said it would not affect the numbers being granted asylum, stating: “This is citizenship. This is not granting people asylum, as indeed two thirds of the people who have come through regular means on small boats have come, have been granted asylum because they have a well-founded fear of persecution.
“But this change is not about that. It is about when people are here and they have come to this country and they are staying here.” She went on: “This change means it is unlikely they will ever be able to get citizenship, which is a completely different but important element of the message that we send about integration.”
British citizenship is open to people with indefinite leave to remain in the UK, settled status and with indefinite leave to enter the UK. They can make the claim if they have lived in the UK for five years and have had their right to be in the country established for a year or more.
The rules came into effect on Tuesday. People who put their citizenship application in before then will be assessed to see whether the “immigration breach” should be disregarded.
The change has been blasted by human rights campaigners. Kolbassia Haoussou, from charity Freedom from Torture, said: “Make no mistake, this is a dark moment in British history. If the Government really follows through with blocking refugees from getting citizenship, the UK will be taking a huge step backwards.
“Everyone deserves the chance to settle and fully integrate into society. I’m a survivor of torture, a British citizen, and I’ve even received an MBE from the late Queen. I know many people who also want to contribute to Britain, but blocking their ability to become citizens prevents refugees from fully integrating and flourishing in their new communities.”
And Enver Solomon, chief executive of the Refugee Council, said: “This change flies in the face of reason. The British public want refugees who have been given safety in our country to integrate into and contribute to their new communities, so it makes no sense for the Government to erect more barriers.
“We know that men women and children who are refugees want to feel part of the country that has given them a home, and support to rebuild their lives. So many refugees over many generations have become proud hard working British citizens as doctors, entrepreneurs and other professionals. Becoming a British citizen has helped them give back to their communities and this should be celebrated, not prevented. We urge ministers to urgently reconsider.”
The new “good character” rules, published by the Home Office, state: “A person who applies for citizenship from 10 February 2025 who has previously arrived without a required valid entry clearance or electronic travel authorisation, having made a dangerous journey will normally be refused citizenship. A dangerous journey includes, but is not limited to, travelling by small boat or concealed in a vehicle or other conveyance. It does not include, for example, arrival as a passenger with a commercial airline.”
A Home Office spokesman said: “There are already rules that can prevent those arriving illegally from gaining citizenship. This guidance further strengthens measures to make it clear that anyone who enters the UK illegally, including small boat arrivals, faces having a British citizenship application refused.”
