Laura Astley From Surrey

Since 1 January 2004 applicants for British citizenship have been required to attend a Citizenship Ceremony at which they swear an Oath  of allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, pledge commitment to the United Kingdom and receive their British citizenship certificate. 

I had the privilege of being invited to my friend's Citizenship Ceremony in Weybridge, Surrey this morning, and found the whole experience a deeply touching affair. Laura's initial nervousness on taking her oath, and subsequent excitement when the Superintendent Registrar said 'I would like to welcome to you to Britain & Surrey', towards the end of the ceremony, brought tears to my eyes.

Yes, I know it was a mere ceremony, but watching Laura made me aware of how much I take my citizenship for granted; in order to attain hers, Laura had to study English to a communicative level, as well as take lessons in Citizenship, thus ensuring that she knows her rights, privileges as well as her responsibilities as a British Citizen.

As the ceremony took place first thing in the morning, we all went to a cafe for, you guessed it, a full English breakfast.

I'm sure all of you in BCUK will extend your heartiest congratulations to her!