UK denies citizenship to small boat refugees

The UK Home Office has implemented new guidance that effectively prevents refugees arriving by small boats or hidden in vehicles from gaining British citizenship. This move, branded as 'a dark moment in British history' by human rights groups, has been condemned by Labour MPs and the Refugee Council, who argue it undermines the integration of refugees into society. Under the new rules, which are part of a broader border security bill, applicants who have made dangerous journeys will typically be refused citizenship, regardless of how long they have been in the UK. Critics, including MP Stella Creasy, contend that denying citizenship to those granted asylum contradicts the principles of humanitarian protection. The guidance has also been criticized for potentially breaching international law and for being a response to pressure from political opponents like Nigel Farage's Reform UK. The Home Office maintains that these measures clarify existing rules against illegal immigration and reinforce the government's stance on maintaining a 'hostile environment' for irregular arrivals.