Recent statistics reveal a significant increase in the number of citizenship grants in the United Kingdom, raising concerns about the vetting process. In 2024, nearly 270,000 applications were approved, marking a record high under the Labour government. This figure, which is double the number from a decade ago, has led critics to accuse the Home Office of a “box-ticking” approach that fails to adequately screen applicants.
The controversy escalated when it was revealed that Alaa Abd El-Fattah, an Egyptian dissident granted British citizenship in 2021, has a history of inflammatory remarks, including calls for violence against Jews and police officers. Following his release from prison in Egypt, he was welcomed by Prime Minister Keir Starmer upon his return to the UK on December 26, 2025. Starmer expressed his delight at El-Fattah’s arrival, which quickly drew backlash from various political figures and public commentators.
Critics, including Robert Bates of the Centre for Migration Control, argue that current citizenship laws create a “soft touch” environment that undermines the value of a British passport. Bates stated, “The soaring grant numbers show Starmer’s government is happy to throw around passports like confetti, storing up serious problems for the future of our country.” Concerns also stem from the ease with which individuals who hold anti-British sentiments can gain citizenship, leading some to question the safety of the public.
Alp Mehmet from Migration Watch UK echoed these sentiments, highlighting the dramatic rise in citizenship grants. He pointed out that in 2024, Britain granted more citizenships than Japan had in nearly 60 years. “The ease with which it is obtained, and the full access to rights and benefits that British citizens are entitled to, are additional incentives,” Mehmet noted.
El-Fattah’s citizenship was granted based on his mother’s British origins, despite his incarceration in Egypt for spreading false information about the government. His application was approved while he was in prison, a decision that has sparked debate about the adequacy of background checks in the citizenship process. Critics have pointed out that the current system allows for inadequate vetting, with some cases revealing that citizenship has been granted to individuals with serious criminal backgrounds.
The Home Office has faced scrutiny for its failure to prevent El-Fattah’s citizenship despite his controversial past. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has been urged to reconsider El-Fattah’s status, especially after it was revealed that his Egyptian citizenship could be revoked, complicating any potential deportation.
Statistics from the Home Office show that the number of citizenship grants has drastically increased from just 15,000 in the early 1960s. The highest recorded figures have been observed under the Labour government, with 269,000 grants in 2024 and 241,000 in the year ending September 2025. This surge has led to intensified calls for reform of the citizenship process.
To become a British citizen, applicants must meet specific criteria, including residing in the UK for a minimum of five years and passing the Life in the UK test. Yet, the process has been criticized for being too lenient, allowing individuals with questionable backgrounds to gain citizenship without thorough scrutiny.
The backlash against Starmer’s administration has intensified, particularly after allegations surfaced about El-Fattah’s extreme views. The Prime Minister’s spokesperson defended the government’s actions, stating, “We welcome the return of a British citizen unfairly detained abroad, as we would in all cases.”
Calls for change are growing, with some politicians proposing reforms to make it more challenging for individuals with extremist views to gain citizenship. Kemi Badenoch, a Conservative leader, has acknowledged that granting El-Fattah citizenship was a misstep and criticized the lack of oversight in the process.
As the debate continues, the implications of the current citizenship process remain a pressing issue for the UK government. With the number of grants at an all-time high, questions about national security and the integrity of the citizenship process are likely to dominate the political landscape in the coming months. The government has announced plans to overhaul the citizenship framework, with an emphasis on contribution and integration, but how these changes will be implemented remains uncertain.
