§ Mr. Andrew MacKayTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he will take to reassure those with an entitlement to register as British citizens under the British Nationality Act 1981 who fail to do so by 31 December about their position in the United Kingdom after that date.
§ Mr. HurdI am today publishing a free information leaflet entitled "British citizenship: A Reminder" which explains that, other than the right to register, the rights of those affected will not be changed in any way if they do not apply to be registered as British citizens. The leaflet explains that they will not lose their entitlements to special benefits or their right to vote and that their position under the immigration laws is not changed. The leaflet also makes clear that an application for naturalisation may still be made at any time. The leaflet is now available from the nationality division of the Home Office and is being sent to community relations councils, citizens advice bureaux and other organisations so that they can give them to inquirers. I am placing copies of the leaflet in the Library. I hope this information will help to reassure people who do not use their right to register about their position here after 31 December.