First citizenship ceremony in UK

8216;8216;Being a British citizen will make me feel more a part of the community, the country and the culture. The ceremony idea is an excellent one. It puts extra emphasis on becoming a citizen and makes it feel more important,8217;8217; Chatterjee said.

Describing as 8216;8216;a truly memorable day8217;8217;, Blunkett said: 8216;8216;Britain has a great tradition as a tolerant and welcoming nation. I am very pleased to be at the first of many ceremonies which will help bond together our communities with shared values which allow people to be proud of both their background and their new home.8217;8217;

The ceremony began with an introduction by the Mayor of Brent, the Rev Peter Lemmon, followed by Blunkett8217;s speech. The applicants then gave their oaths before being formally welcomed by Prince Charles.

Among those who took part were a family from Afghanistan who moved to the UK in the early 1990s. All applicants successfully applying for citizenship since January 1, 2004 will now take part in similar occasions, which cost participants 68 pounds each.

Until now, people becoming British citizens have sworn an oath of allegiance in front of a solicitor, before receiving their certificate in the post. About 90,000 adult applicants become British citizens every year. 8212;PTI