HL Deb 19 January 1972 vol 327 cc165-6WA
LORD O'HAGAN

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Why they are using a means of immigration control to redefine British nationality.

THE MINISTER OF STATE, HOME OFFICE (LORD WINDLESHAM)

Since there is no citizenship of the United Kingdom in our law, it is not possible to define the term "United Kingdom national" solely by reference to nationality. The definition notified to the E.E.C. Council of Ministers includes all citizens of the United Kingdom and Colonies, and British subjects without citizenship, who have such a close connection with the United Kingdom that they are patrial under the Immigration Act 1971. There is no redefinition of British nationality.