Prime Minister Gordon Brown has outlined the biggest changes “for a generation” to immigration procedures, including the setting up of a “citizenship contract” that explains an individual’s rights and responsibilities.
Speaking to members of the third sector and local government representatives in North London today, the PM said that he expected tougher tests for citizenship in the future, with a clear set of responsibilities set out at each stage of the immigration process. That process would be divided into three distinct phases - entry as a temporary resident, as a probationary citizen, and as a full citizen or permanent resident.
The PM said:
“For people coming to Britain, and wanting to become British, citizenship should not only be a matter of their choice but should depend upon actively entering into a contract through which, by virtue of responsibilities accepted, the right of citizenship is earned.”
The full transcript of the speech can be found here.
Archives |
Subjects |
Departments |