TNAG-1086-FCO40-1336-Implications-for-Hong-Kong-of-changes-in-the-British-nationa-1981 — Page 171

BRITISH NATIONALITY BILL

HOUSE OF LORDS REPORT STAGE

NOTES ON AMENDMENTS

The Lord Geddes

NO

After clause 36, insert the following new clause.

Status of British national

(".Every person who under this Act is a British citizen,

а

RESIST

citizen of the British Dependent Territories or a British Overseas Citizen shall have the status of a British national.")

Effect of the amendment

The amendment seeks to provide that British citizens, citizens of the British Dependent Territories and British Overseas citizens shall all have the

status of British nationals. It is not clear what this status would imply nor in what context it would be used.

1.

Government Line

2. The amendment is not appropriate. The status of British national is only of relevance in the sphere of international relations. It is not entirely clear what constitutes "national" in this context, although the extent to which a State represents the interests internationally of particular categories is of relevance It is not a matter for domestic legislation and the amendment could be misleading It would also blur the distinctions between the separate citizenships.

Speaking Note

3. My Lords, this amendment seeks to provide that British citizens, citizens of the British Dependent Territories and British Overseas citizens shall all have

the status of British nationals.