Sir Bernard's panel recommends Welsh or Scottish Gaelic should be taught if applicable and all new immigrants eligible to apply for nationality should receive a special "Living in Britain" pack to help them prepare for their new life.

Naturalisation ceremonies

Once the classes are completed, individuals would attend a formal citizenship ceremony where local dignitaries would present them with their certificates of naturalisation after they have taken an oath or pledge.

Sir Bernard Crick: Expert on British citizenship

Studies of similar ceremonies in other countries, such as the USA and Canada, suggest they act as a focal point of the naturalisation process, reinforcing the bond between the individual and their new home (see internet links for an example of the Canadian ceremony).

Sir Bernard said: "Becoming a citizen should be no ordinary matter. It is a significant life event.

"The group saw its task as helping to raise the status and significance of becoming a British citizen."

Sir Bernard said the emphasis should be on gaining "practical knowledge" of how the country works, a move which would in itself would help to engender a sense of citizenship.

"The two senses of 'citizenship' as legal naturalisation and as participation in public life should support each other," said Sir Bernard, emeritus professor at London's Birkbeck College.

"In what has long been a multi-cultural society, new citizens should be equipped to be active citizens.

"Use of English itself is a most, possibly the most, important means of diverse communities participating in a common culture with common values."

The Home Office established the panel under Sir Bernard as part of last year's Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act. Citizenship has recently become a core subject of the national curriculum in secondary schools.

Some of your comments:

As a Scot who emigrated to Canada and took the citizenship test, I know more about Canada and its institutions than most Canadian-born Canadians. Go for it Britain - but extend it to all Brits as well.
Gordon McFarlane, Canada

This is an excellent idea. It makes coming to this country a big deal, which it should be. I would expect this if I wanted to become a citizen of another country.
Johanna Brooks, UK

An excellent idea. These new members of the community will have resources to integrate much more quickly than at present and will fell less isolated and perplexed about the society to which they have come.
Quentin Parsons, England

Citizenship confirms the link between individual and country. The pride and joy I see on the faces of new citizens when they take the oath is truly humbling.
Kim Brown, USA

Knowledge of our systems and political institutions is often lacking in young people, breeding apathy and disinterest. This could be a wonderful opportunity to reduce youth crime and political apathy.
Sarah Bosworth, UK

These naturalisation sessions will do little to help the cultural differences that will remain. Foreigners will always remain different and will undoubtedly change the nature of Britain.
J Fanus, Wales

This is the first sensible step on immigration and citizenship I have heard this government make. I quite agree that it is a significant moment in someone's life and should be recognised as such.
Ian, UK

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