20-07-2025
UK Moves to Strip Citizenship from Terror Suspects
UK Home Secretary Theresa May introduced a last-minute amendment to the Immigration Bill in Parliament that would allow the government to strip naturalised British citizens of their nationality if they are suspected of being involved in terrorism — even if that leaves them stateless.
The amendment targets individuals whose actions are deemed to pose a "serious threat to the UK's vital interests." Under current law, the Home Secretary already has the power to revoke citizenship from dual nationals. However, this new proposal extends that power to those born overseas who hold only British citizenship.
The House of Commons passed the amendment with a strong majority — 297 votes in favour and just 34 against — despite growing protests over the treatment of foreign criminals and immigrants, especially from Romania and Bulgaria.
According to the Home Office, this measure will not apply to individuals born in the UK and will be implemented in line with Britain's international obligations. The policy has also received backing from the Liberal Democrats, who believe it will affect only a small number of extreme cases.
Theresa May's proposal follows a significant Supreme Court ruling last October that overturned the revocation of citizenship from Hilal al-Jedda, an Iraqi-born man suspected of terrorism. The decision left al-Jedda stateless, prompting legal challenges. He is currently living in Turkey as the Home Office appeals the ruling.
Immigration Minister Mark Harper defended the proposal, stating, 'Citizenship is a privilege, not a right,' and emphasized that the new powers are necessary to protect public safety.
However, human rights groups have raised alarms. Reprieve, a UK-based organisation, called the move "a worrying development," warning it gives the Home Secretary sweeping powers to revoke citizenship without due process.
The push for stricter laws comes amid rising concern over European extremists returning from Syria. Intelligence reports suggest that more than 700 fighters — including 250 French, 200 Belgian, and 270 German nationals — have joined conflicts in Syria, with at least 60 killed. European governments fear these trained fighters could bring militant tactics back home, prompting tighter security measures.
Parliament also debated two additional proposals yesterday. The first, supported by 70 Conservative MPs, seeks to extend work restrictions on Romanian and Bulgarian nationals until 2018. The second, backed by about 100 MPs and introduced by MP Dominic Raab, aims to prevent foreign criminals sentenced to at least one year in prison from appealing deportation orders.
The new measures reflect mounting pressure on Prime Minister David Cameron from within his own party to take a harder stance on immigration and national security.
