New visa rules which will make it almost impossible for refugees who arrive in the UK on small boats or in the back of lorries to ever become British citizens have been branded "deeply damaging".
"I know many people who also want to contribute to Britain, but blocking their ability to become citizens prevents refugees from fully integrating and flourishing in their new communities.".
But the changes have been slammed by Walthamstow Labour MP Stella Creasy who described them "counterproductive", while a refugee charity branded it a "dark moment" in the country's history.
The Home Office's good character guidance was updated this week to state that migrants who have entered Britain illegally will "normally" have a citizenship applications refused.
The Refugee Council estimates the guidance will prevent at least 71,000 refugees from getting British citizenship.
