Citizenship (Armed Forces) Bill

The Citizenship (Armed Forces) Bill is sponsored by Jonathan Lord MP, who came third in the 2013-14 ballot for Private Members’ Bills. The Bill had its First Reading on 19 June. It was published on 3 September 2013. It is due to have its Second Reading debate on 13 September.

The Bill, which has Government support, consists of two clauses. It seeks to amend the requirements for naturalisation as a British citizen set out in the British Nationality Act 1981, in order to ensure that foreign and commonwealth members and former members of HM Armed Forces can apply for naturalisation on equal terms, irrespective of whether they were posted in the UK or overseas.