Mayor with Denise Matika from the London Borough of Brent

London Mayor Boris Johnson hosted the first ever London-wide Citizenship ceremony at City Hall on Friday.

A resident from every one of London’s 33 boroughs attended the ceremony and was presented with a certificate and commemorative gift by the Mayor and Chair of the London Assembly, Jennette Arnold.

Boris Johnson said:

“As the great grandchild of an immigrant I am extremely proud to welcome the new British citizens from every London borough to the UK. This ceremony is an important way of encouraging them to play a full part in the communities they live in and contribute to their new country.

‘There are huge benefits from immigration for our economy, society and the cultural life of our capital. Just look the amazing range of restaurants in London, they are the best in the world thanks to the incredible innovation and entrepreneurship of immigrants from all corners of the world.

‘On behalf of London I want to offer my wholehearted congratulations on this memorable day for these new citizens and their families, and to celebrate the immense contribution immigrants are making to our capital.”

Jennette Arnold said:

"Today's Citizenship Ceremony has been a wonderful opportunity to recognise the important contribution migrants make to our city as well as welcoming 33 Londoners to British Citizenship.

‘As I migrant from Montserrat I take particular pride in participating in today's ceremony on behalf of our city as Chair of the London Assembly"

Mark Rimmer OBE, Brent Council Registrar, acted as Superintendant Registrar to preside over the ceremony. Brent hosted the first ever citizenship ceremony in 2004 and the first outdoor ceremony earlier this year at Wembley Stadium.

Mark Rimmer said:

“It’s been a fantastic experience to bring so many people together at City Hall. Brent Council is the UK’s most diverse borough and has welcomed more new citizens than any other local authority. Over the past four years I’ve met some inspirational people who have settled in the UK and this ceremony has been one of the highlights.”

Citizenship Ceremonies Information

Before 2004, an oath or affirmation of allegiance was made privately in the presence of a person who had the power to witness oaths and a certificate of registration or naturalisation as a British citizen was then sent to the successful applicant by post.

In 2004 citizenship ceremonies were introduced. New citizens who attend a ceremony are required to make an oath of allegiance (or affirmation) and a pledge:

1. Oath of allegiance - I (name) swear by Almighty God that on becoming a British citizen, I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, her Heirs and Successors, according to law.

2. Affirmation of allegiance - I (name) do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm that on becoming a British citizen, I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, her Heirs and Successors, according to law.

3. Pledge - I will give my loyalty to the United Kingdom and respect its rights and freedoms. I will uphold its democratic values. I will observe its laws faithfully and fulfil my duties and obligations as a British citizen.