800,000 immigrants granted British citizenship under Coalition

 
Waiting game: Migrants wait for a charity food distribution in Calais. Dozens were hurt earlier in the day after clashes broke out between hundreds of African migrants seeking to cross the Channel to the UK (FRANCOIS LO PRESTI/AFP)
Gareth Vipers3 September 2014
WEST END FINAL

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As many as 800,000 immigrants have been granted British citizenship since the Coalition came to power, new figures reveal.

Full citizenship has been granted to 775,029 immigrants since 2010.

The figures, released by Conservative Immigration Minister James Brokenshire, showed that more immigrants (207,989) received citizenship last year than in any other year since the Coaltion came to power.

The most common way for immigrants to become British citizens is through "naturalisation", according to the Government's official website.

Immigrants can apply for naturalised citizenship if they have lived in the UK for at least five years, are of good character and "sound mind", and plan to remain in the country.

They must also prove their knowledge of the English language and pass the Life In The UK test on Britain's traditions and customs.

Mr Brokenshire revealed the figures in response to a written parliamentary question from Tory Andrew Rosindel, MP for Romford.

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