Home Office denies ‘absurd’ criticism over rule change that could leave dual nationals stranded | Home Office
The Home Office has dismissed as “absurd” claims that it failed to properly communicate new border rules that left some dual British nationals at risk of being refused boarding into the UK.
During a heated session of parliament on Wednesday, Home Secretary Mike Tapp suggested media coverage in the Guardian and BBC reflected the department’s efforts to publicize the changes.
Labor Party’s Kerry McCarthy told how two of her constituents feared being stranded on their honeymoon because of the new conditions that came into force on Wednesday.
Under the changes, British dual nationals must present a valid or expired British passport or a £589 authorization to prove their right to residence before boarding a plane, ferry or train to the UK.
“They don’t really know if they can go back to the UK. [their] honeymoon,” McCarthy said.
Conservative MP Alicia Kearns said the policy was justified but urged Tapp to “remain committed to improving the communications plan, which is however inadequate”.
Tapp rejected calls for more time but said he would hold a meeting with MPs next Monday to discuss individual cases. He added that consular services were available abroad to help Britons in distress and that dual nationals could obtain a passport within four weeks, and in some cases nine days.
Will Forster, the Liberal Democrats’ immigration spokesman, described the situation as unacceptable, accusing Tapp of “lack of planning and haphazard communication”.
Tapp responded: “I find the framing of this absolutely ridiculous; it’s nonsense. Officials and ministers have been planning for years. This has been a public issue for a number of years.”
“There are emergency travel documents available for those who wish to travel for emergencies and I would encourage them to review this through the government website to see if they are eligible.”
Former Conservative cabinet minister David Davis said three of his constituents had only learned of the changes through media reports in the Guardian and the BBC.
“I’ll let him in on a little secret here – perhaps the reports in the media are a result of the Home Office’s efforts to disseminate this information as widely as possible,” Tapp replied.
The Guardian’s story was prompted by letters from concerned dual citizens abroad. Since publication, hundreds more readers have contacted the newspaper to say they were unaware of the rule changes until they saw the news.
