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Proceeding contribution from Lord Brett (Labour) in the House of Lords on Monday, 2 March 2009. It occurred during Committee of the Whole House (HL) and Debate on bill on Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Bill [HL].


Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Bill [HL]

I note the noble Lord’s comments. It may be that I led him to rise a moment or two before he heard something which would be more to his satisfaction in the statement I am completing. There are also extensive avenues by which a child born stateless can acquire a form of British nationality in particular areas. I was going on to say something in light of the comments made, which I shall deal with after I have first dealt with the point made by the noble Lord, Lord Hylton. We have no knowledge of Red Cross passports and their role, although I shall inquire to find out what they are and, I hope, send the noble Lord a note on that. I shall also send him a note on the question of where the discretion of the Secretary of State has been applied. Returning to the main issue, I note that the noble Lord, Lord Avebury, raised a number of individual cases, on which I cannot, of course, comment. I am happy to set out the policy which has been applied when deciding on particular categories of cases. I continue to offer him and other Members of the House an opportunity either to visit the UK Border Agency nationality group in Liverpool to see how the caseworking process in action is operated and to discuss how decisions have been reached. If noble Lords are unable to travel to Liverpool, we would be happy to provide the facilities for such a meeting in London. On the broader topic that the noble Lord raised, I am happy to consider his points and return to them at Report, following discussion. With that, I hope that he will be prepared to withdraw his amendment.


Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
708 c603 
Session
2008-09
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
Subjects
Children Criminal records Civil partnerships Asylum Detainees Armed forces British nationality Citizenship Borders Women Employment Equality Fees and charges Families Further education Immigration controls Domestic abuse Undocumented migrants Hong Kong Homelessness Discrimination Higher education Ireland (island) English language Forced marriage Marriage Parents Public service Vetting Refugees Trade unions Voluntary work British national (overseas) Common travel area British students abroad
Legislation
Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Bill (HL) 2008-09
Link
View this Proceeding contribution on www.publications.parliament.uk