The Legislative Council
Stelena
South Atlantic
Thank you for the petition of 25 January which you handed to our Desk Officer, Mr Bill Clare, during his recent visit asking HMG to grant full British citizenship to all Saint Helenians.
I understand you argued your case with great conviction, and
that, in doing so, you were undoubtedly expressing the will of your
constituents. And it is very gratifying to learn that, despite the
miles which separate you from the UK, you are so deeply committed to
Britain and to retaining links with the UK.
As you know, citizens of a number of our other Dependent
Territories feel as strongly as you that, in view of developments over Hong Kong, they, too, should be granted full British citizenship. It is right that we should treat each case
even-handedly.
I regret that, under the present circumstances, it is not
possible to grant your request. I understand how disappointed you
will be to learn this. I can assure you, however, that your case is
well understood here and that my officials will keep it under close review.
They will ensure that your request is re-considered in the
light of changing circumstances.
MP 1AAE