CLAUSE 9 in the new Nationality & Borders Bill exempts the government from giving notice if it is not “reasonably practicable” to do so, or in the interests of national security, diplomatic relations or is otherwise in the public interest when removing citizenship.
This gives the government enormous power over British citizens who have another nationality or who may have been born elsewhere. Effectively, naturalised citizens can be made stateless without notice. The government, however, claims that it will not make anyone stateless and will not affect their right to appeal.
Currently, no other country can make its own citizens stateless by depriving them of citizenship without notice.
The new bill could affect an estimated 6 million Britons who were born elsewhere or have another nationality.
The UK’s citizenship deprivation practice affects minorities and those of migrant heritage like those from a Turkish speaking background much more than it does white British nationals born in Britain.
Enfield North MP Feryal Clark said: “I understand that Clause 9 of the Nationality & Borders Bill has caused a lot of concern in ethnic minority communities in Enfield North and throughout the country.
“I believe the government could have been much more forthcoming about the purpose of Clause 9 and allowed for more discussion about its effect during the passage of the Bill
“People should not be deported to countries they have little or no connection with. I would like to see a fair and humane immigration system built on human rights.
“As someone who came to this country as a child, with my parents fleeing political persecution Turkey, I know the challenges our communities face, and will always celebrate the importance of cultural diversity and the vital contribution it makes to society.
“The government continues to make mistakes on this issue, even after the Windrush scandal, threatening to deport Black and Asian ethnic minorities to the country of their parents’ or grandparents’ origin.
“I will continue to hold ministers to account on this and stand up for our diverse and valued communities in Enfield North.”
