consular protection in
They wil1
be
a right to
third countries.
Commonwealth citizens and will have
registration as British citizens on the same terms as BDTCs. In short, the Order will in effect redefine the
1981 to the British Nationality Act Scope of
cover the
new status where it is appropriate.
The Order will also set out the circumstances in which persons who might become stateless as
as a result of
these provisions, and the children born after 1 July
to holders of the new status, if they would
otherwise be stateless, may acquire a form of British
nationality, which will be British Overseas Citizenship.
1997
Even though the proposals cannot yet be final, we
thought it right that the Bill should contain a clear indication of the Government's intentions with regard to
nationality, and
and set out a framework for the subsequent
subordinate legislation that will be necessary. Parliament quite rightly expects to have the opportunity
of considering what the general nature of such legislation would be. Moreover, to do otherwise would
lead in Hong Kong and might perpetuate uncertainty doubts as to the Government's willingness to implement
the provisions of the UK Memorandum. I am sure that hon
Members would agree
this would be most
unsatisfactory.
that
to
I urge the House, for the reasons I have outlined, reject the reasoned amendment standing in the name s of the rt hon Members for South Down and Orpington.
to
Adaptation of Law
Paragraph 3 of the Schedule gives the
necessary
powers
It
to make changes in British law in consequence of connection with the ending of sovereignty.
enables Orders in Council to be made:
or in