Sajid Javid ‘Taking UK Down Dangerous Road’ by Expanding Citizenship Stripping

The Home s Secretary, Sajid Javid, is taking the UK down a “very dangerous road” with plans to expand powers to strip dual citizens of their British citizenship, a leading human rights group has warned. Suspected terrorists have previously had their UK citizenship taken away – most often while they are abroad – and the move does not require prior approval from a judge or parliament. Javid proposes extending the reach of the power to cover serious criminals, citing child grooming gangmasters as an example.

In his conference speech, Javid said: “The home secretary has the power to strip dual citizens of their British citizenship. It is a power used for extreme and exceptional cases. It should be used with great care and discretion – but also determination. “In recent years we have exercised this power for terrorists who are a threat to the country. Now, for the first time, I will apply this power to some of those who are convicted of the most grave criminal offences. This applies to some of the despicable men involved in gang-based child sexual exploitation.”

Read more: Jamie Grierson, Guardian, https://bit.ly/2PkwR0V