§ Lord Aveburyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether an overseas resident who considers that his or her application for registration as a British citizen has been erroneously refused should appeal through the British consulate in the country where he or she lives, or directly from abroad to the Home Office in the United Kingdom; and whether they will add a paragraph to the Casework Instructions to clarify the procedure. [HL4489]
§ Baroness Scotland of AsthalExcept in the case of deprivation of citizenship, there is no statutory right of appeal against the Secretary of State's decision. Informal representations, whether made directly or through the British consulate, will be carefully considered and a full reply sent in each case in accordance with casework instructions. Decisions are also susceptible to judicial review on the usual grounds of illegality, irrationality and procedural impropriety. The casework procedures are clear and do not need clarification.