New guidance states that anyone who enters the UK illegally having made a dangerous journey, which could be via boat, but also by means such as hiding in a vehicle, will normally be refused citizenship, regardless of the time that has passed.

The Labour government wants to clamp down on illegal migration amid concerns about the rising popularity of the right-wing Reform UK party. View on euronews

The British government on Wednesday said it was toughening immigration rules to make it almost impossible for undocumented migrants who arrive on small boats to later receive citizenship. "This guidance further strengthens measures to make it clear that anyone who enters the UK illegally,

The Home Office change has been condemned by the Refugee Council and some Labour backbench MPs.

Britain has toughened up its rules to make it near impossible for small boat refugees to become UK citizens - ever. Now, anyone who arrives in the UK by making the perilous journey - via boat or hiding beneath vehicles on ferries - will normally not be allowed citizenship.