Controversial legislation granting the Home Office extended powers to prevent individuals stripped of British citizenship from re-entering the UK has passed through the House of Commons. The Deprivation of Citizenship Orders (Effect during Appeal) Bill will now proceed to the House of Lords for further examination. Under the proposed law, those who have their citizenship revoked but successfully appeal the decision would not automatically have their citizenship restored if the Home Office continues to pursue its own legal challenges.
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Critics have raised concerns that the bill could create a “two-tier” system of citizenship, disproportionately affecting people from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds. Labour MP Bell Ribeiro-Addy warned the legislation could alarm communities whose family origins lie outside the UK. Conservative MP Kit Malthouse expressed unease over the growing frequency of such powers, suggesting it could erode trust in British citizenship and undermine fundamental freedoms.
Home Office minister Dan Jarvis insisted the powers are about behaviour, not background. He emphasised that the legislation does not discriminate based on ethnicity or place of birth, but targets individuals whose actions pose serious threats to the UK. Mr Malthouse, however, urged caution, proposing an amendment to safeguard those at risk of serious harm during the appeals process and to ensure fair legal treatment for those affected.
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Ms Ribeiro-Addy also questioned why an equality impact assessment had not been conducted, arguing that the implications of the bill are far from neutral. In response, Mr Jarvis stated that equalities considerations had been accounted for throughout the legislative process. Despite the concerns voiced by MPs across party lines, the bill passed its third reading without a formal vote and now awaits scrutiny in the upper chamber.
