British citizenship may be revoked in certain circumstances. This is not a decision taken lightly. The Home Secretary may take away citizenship through nullity or deprivation.

Nullity is where the individual has been granted citizenship but was not the intended person. For example, if false information was provided – or the applicant used someone else’s identity.

Deprivation of citizenship can take place if the applicant has committed fraud, made a false representation or concealed a material fact.

It can also occur if the Home Office decides it is conducive to the public good.

Can people born in the UK lose their British citizenship?

It is not only those who born outside the UK who can have their British citizenship revoked. The power to deprive nationals of their citizenship may only be used against citizens who are able to become nationals of another country. Under international law, nobody may be rendered stateless.

British citizens can renounce their British citizenship. This may be the case if they wish to become a citizen of a country that does not allow dual citizenship.

You can apply to renounce British nationality to become a citizen of the country you permanently reside in: If the application is accepted, you receive a declaration of renunciation.