Response to consultation document on citizenship ceremonies

SEPTEMBER 2003

1         Para 3.12 should national symbols – union jack and the national anthem – form part of the ceremony?  Should some national cultural activity [example a piece of music, song, poem/symbols) be included at the start or end of the ceremony? Do you have any suggestions? 

Individuals/group applicants could suggest pieces of music or a song or a poem which they themselves consider to be appropriate to be included in the ceremony.

2         How might a local flavour be imported to citizenship ceremonies in a manner which is keeping with their purpose?

          As considered suitable by applicants.

3          Do you have any suggestions on any suitable venues for the ceremonies?

No, other than it would be appropriate for there to be a number of venues outside of Belfast, particularly in those parts of Northern Ireland which are furthest from Belfast.

4          Do you have any suggestions for suitable music?

What ever music the applicant considers appropriate for the ceremony.  The UK is a multi-cultural society and these ceremonies should therefore reflect this in music, emblems etc.

5          Do you have any views on the contents of the proposed welcome speech of the registrar?

The first paragraph of the suggested speech in paragraph 4.4 of the draft document is inappropriate as it states “this for many of you is the final step in the process of becoming a British citizen, which will welcome you to this nation and our community”.  The draft in its current form suggests that only British citizens are welcome to the UK.  We suggest that this speech should include “….welcome you to this multi-cultural society” as the UK is made up of many different nationalities and people of ethnic origin who are permanently settled.

Paragraph 2 of the suggested welcome speech at paragraph 4.4 currently reads “the citizenship ceremony is a right of passage that formally welcomes those who wish to join us into full membership of the British family, and into citizenship of the UK, a state built on a union of nations, beliefs and common civic values”.  We believe that the final part of that sentence should omit reference to “membership of the British family” and should read “into citizenship of the UK, a state built on a union of nations, cultures, beliefs and common civic values.”

At paragraph 4.5 we consider that the local dignitary should make specific reference to the fact that the UK is a multicultural society and as a UK citizen one must respect that.

6        Do you agree that it would be a good idea to invite a local dignitary to address the group at this stage and do you have any suggestions about the advice which might be given as to the content of this address?

No.     

7          What are your views on the standard response?

8         Do you feel it is important for new citizens to have a commemorative certificate or other gift and have you any suggestions relating to gifts?

9          Do you have any other comments/questions on the citizenship ceremonies?

a)       Paragraph  3.6 refers to a fee being payable for the citizenship ceremony.  We oppose the requirement of a  fee being paid as this will impact disproportionately on law income applicants. 

Notwithstanding the previous comment, there is no reference as to whether the fee would be returned if the application for British citizenship were to be refused. Could you please inform us as to whether this would be the case or not and how much the fee might be?

b)       In paragraph 3.6 reference is made to group ceremonies comprising of between 10 and 50 applicants being the “norm”.  It should be noted that there probably would not be that many people in Northern Ireland waiting for a ceremony within any given period.     

c)       Paragraph 4.10 reference is made to “all applicants for naturalisation as a British citizen will be required to have sufficient knowledge of English, Welsh, or  Scottish Gaelic . . .”.  We suggest that it should read “as a UK citizen”.  Further, Cantonese is the second main language in Northern Ireland and obviously Irish is the third.  The Law Centre therefore considers that certainly the Irish language should be recognised in the UK for purposes of applications for naturalised UK citizens and furthermore real consideration should be given to Cantonese given the ethnic makeup of Northern Ireland.

d)       Paragraph 4.12 refers to a suggested response by the registrar concerned.  Law Centre (NI) considers that the registrar at this stage should give an undertaking to respect the individual who has just been recognised as a UK citizen in the context of a multi-cultural UK. 

e)       Paragraph 4.14 of the consultation document refers to a suggestion that local authorities may want to keep a register regarding the ceremonies.  Could you please inform Law Centre (NI) as to whether the register and these statistics could be made available to the public?