‘Identity crisis’: UK passes British Nationality Bill in 1981 – SCMP archive
A matter of identity By Christopher Wood This article was first published on October 31, 1981 The passage of the British Nationality Bill through Parliament has proved an emotional issue for Hongkong, sparking off fears that the Colony is sliding into political limbo. As Hongkong-born British subjects lost their right of residence in the United Kingdom back in 1962, the strength of feeling…
Identity Crisis: UK Passes British Nationality Bill in 1981
In October 1981, the passage of the British Nationality Bill through Parliament sparked concerns in Hong Kong, leading to fears that the Colony was sliding into political limbo. The legislation, which granted new citizenship categories, notably affected Hong Kong's special relationship with Britain and caused a collective identity crisis among its residents.
The Bill introduced three new categories of British citizenship: British citizens, citizens of British dependent territories, and British overseas citizens. Hong Kong, with 2.6 million British citizens, was included in the second category, which many saw as tailored for the territory.
Critics, including the Hong Kong Government, feared the Bill would weaken the special relationship between Hong Kong and Britain. Dr. Denny Huang, an Urban Councillor, described it as "another example of how Britain only takes from Hong Kong – they never give anything in return."
The British Government, however, had rationalized the legislation as a means to end the subterfuge of describing Hong Kong residents as "citizens of the UK and Colonies" while denying free movement between the two. Despite reassurances from the Home Secretary, Sir Paul Bryan, chairman of the All-Party Anglo-Hong Kong Group of MPs, expressed concerns about hidden motives and potential weakening of ties between Hong Kong and Britain.
The Bill's committee stage and amendments in Parliament were a source of frustration for the Government, leading to a final amendment that granted Gibraltar special treatment. Despite the efforts to amend the legislation, the concerns of Hong Kong residents remained, with many feeling marginalized and questioning their status.
Written by urgent.news from South China Morning Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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