Citizenship ceremonies

The Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 requires all successful applicants for naturalisation or registration as a British citizen, who are aged 18 or over, to take an oath and pledge at a citizenship ceremony, unless exempted by the Home Secretary.

The citizenship ceremony celebrates the significance of becoming a British citizen and officially welcomes the new citizen into this community. Perhaps more significantly, there is a key legal moment during the ceremony when each new citizen makes a new citizenship oath and pledge. It is at this instant that citizenship is conferred.

For many new citizens this ceremony will be the culmination of many years of waiting to become a British citizen. It is a time therefore to celebrate with family and friends. The group ceremonies are held each month in the Lord mayor’s reception room in the presence of the Lord Mayor or his deputy. After taking the oath and pledge, new citizens are called up one at a time to receive their certificate and sign the City of Plymouth new citizen register. The nationality certificate is presented by the Lord Mayor on behalf of the Home Secretary and can subsequently be used to support passport applications and to prove the individual is a British citizen.

During the ceremony we are reminded about what it means to be British and part of this vibrant community of this city of Plymouth. Integral to the ceremony is the display of both the union flag and the portrait of the Queen. The ceremony is concluded with the playing of the national anthem.

The Lord Mayor invites all new citizens and their guests to have light refreshments with him in his suite of rooms after the ceremony. There is of course plenty of opportunities during and after the ceremony to have photographs taken on this very special day.

The oath and pledge made by each new British citizen

“I (name) swear by Almighty God or do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and 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.

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.”

Please note that people wishing to apply for British citizenship must apply directly to the Home Office. Telephone the Nationality Division on 0151 237 5200 or the Helpdesk on 0845 010 5200.