PRESS RELEASE: OFFICE OF JEAN LAMBERT
1st September 2005
LONDON’S GREEN MEP WELCOMES NEW CITIZENS TO THE UK
Walthamstow’s resident Green MEP, Jean Lambert, today welcomed 26 new citizens to the United Kingdom and the Borough of Waltham Forest, as the Guest of Honour at the Citizenship Ceremony in Walthamstow’s Vestry House Museum. Appearing alongside Kenny Pryce, Community Leadership Manager of the Volunteer Centre in Waltham Forest, Jean presented the individuals with Certificates of Naturalisation.
Becoming a British citizen is a significant event and something that each person has chosen to apply for, mainly for political or family reasons. To be eligible, individuals must have been in the UK for a minimum of five years before they can even make an application.
Jean Lambert congratulated the group on their new status and said; “The UK is made up of a wide range of people of a variety of faiths, cultures and backgrounds. By becoming a British Citizen you have not only joined this diverse and inclusive community, but also that of the European Union. You now have new rights across 25 countries and are making a positive contribution to our common future.”
During the ceremony citizens, from 14 different countries around the world including India, Jamaica, Australia, Sri Lanka, Angola, France, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Afghanistan, New Zealand, Mauritius, Mexico, Turkey and Pakistan, swore an oath of allegiance or made an affirmation of allegiance before making a pledge of commitment to the crown.
Mrs Lambert presented the citizens with their Certificates of Naturalisation before the group signed the citizenship register. The new citizens can now continue to apply for a British passport.
ENDS
Photos available on request
For more information please contact:
tel: 020 7407 6280 or 07813149812
email: media@jeanlambertmep.org.uk
Notes to editors:
Jean Lambert : Jean Lambert is a Walthamstow resident and was first elected Green Party Member of the European Parliament for London in the 1999 European elections. She was re-elected in 2004. She is one of nine MEPs representing London and one of two UK Green representatives in the European Parliament.
The Oath of Allegiance: I (name) swear by Almighty God that on becoming a British citizen, I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, her Heirs and Successors, according to law.
The Affirmation of Allegiance: I (name) do solemnly and sincerely affirm that on becoming a British citizen, I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, her Heirs and Successors, according to law.
Citizenship Pledge: I will give my loyalty to the United Kingdom and respect its rights and freedoms. I will uphold its democratic values. I will observe its laws faithfully and fulfil my duties and obligations as a British citizen.