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British National (Overseas): British Nationality

Asked by Neil CoyleLabourHome OfficeTabled Answered 19 May 2026UIN 1205

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, whether her Department is taking steps to help ensure that former arrests of BNO status holders (a) under Hong Kong's National Security Law and (b) for engaging in protests do not delay or prevent British citizenship applications.

Answered by Mike Tapp

Adults and children aged ten or over applying for British citizenship must meet the good character requirement in the British Nationality Act 1981.

The good character policy is clear that it will normally be appropriate to disregard a criminal conviction for behaviour that is considered legitimate in the UK.

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