Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, what recent discussions he has had with the Home Secretary on the application process and fee for Irish citizens resident in Northern Ireland who wish to reclaim British citizenship.

Officials in my Department are discussing this matter with the Home Office who are responsible for this policy.

An individual who has previously renounced their British citizenship may apply to resume it. Applications are at the Home Secretary’s discretion, and the current published policy guidance sets out expectations about when discretion should normally be exercised.

The Home Office regularly reviews the guidance in this regard to ensure that it reflects immigration legislation.

The Government firmly believes that UK nationality law is consistent with its Belfast/Good Friday Agreement obligations, including the birthright provisions that allow the people of Northern Ireland to hold British or Irish citizenship, or both.