Britain plans to strip ex-Nazis of citizenship

JAN 15: The British government plans to strip suspect war criminals of their citizenship to speed up the extradition of those accused of committing atrocities during the World War II, the Independent newspaper reported today.

"The Home Secretary (Jack Straw) is considering the scope of his powers under immigration and nationality legislation in relation to individuals suspected of war crimes or crimes against humanity," Home Minister of State Barbara Roche was quoted as saying.

"The government believes strongly that all war criminals should be brought to jstice whenever possible, both those responsible for atrocities during the Second World War and subsequently," she added.

Straw is reviewing his powers amid claims that 1,500 members of a notorious Ukrainian SS division are living in the UK, the paper said.