UK Nationality and Citizenship Ceremonies

The first UK citizenship ceremony has now taken place, and new classes in English and citizenship are to be piloted over the coming year as part of the Government's citizenship reforms.
It is recognised that becoming a citizen should be considered as a major life changing event for those who undertake it. Therefore, the Government's reforms are intended to make the process of becoming a citizenship more meaningful and celebratory and prepare new citizens for life in the United Kingdom.
The new requirements include:

* A new and meaningful citizenship pledge;
* Language skills and knowledge about British society, which are a requirement of citizenship;
* New ceremonies where individuals can celebrate the event together with their friends and family;
* A handbook provided to all new citizens containing useful information on life in the UK and helping individuals to integrate into UK society.

All those new citizens whose applications were received after 1 January 2004 will take part in a ceremony where they will swear an oath of allegiance and give a citizenship pledge. The first of the new citizenship ceremonies took place in Brent, London on 26 February 2004.