Petition · Home Office
Stop automatically classifying people as “British by descent” without consent
Open for signatures
26 signatures
What the petition asks
Stop automatically classifying people born abroad as “British by descent” if they have a British parent. They should retain their entitlement to hold British citizenship as at present, but this should be through their active choice and application, rather than being automatic without their consent.
From 25 February, those holding British citizenship, including any classified by “British by descent”, must travel to UK on a UK passport (cost around £100), renounce their citizenship (even if they never wanted it) costing £482, or obtain a “certificate of entitlement” costing £589. We view these as a financial penalty for those classified as British against their wishes. The rules apply to people just transiting through the UK, whereas non-Brits only require an ETA costing £16.
Timeline
| 26 Mar 2026 | Petition opened for signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
26
Status
Open for signatures
Department
Home Office
Opened
26 Mar 2026
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 26 Jul 2026.