The British Subjects (Registration) Bill comes from DUP MP Gregory Campbell, who is aiming to offer people born in the Republic of Ireland after 1949 who have associations with the United Kingdom through residency some of the rights that are currently given to those born before 1949.

Campbell told MPs that the legislation would "provide political, practical and symbolic recognition of those affected and will allow them to join and to be treated in all other regards as British subjects. That end is achieved by amending the British Nationality Act 1981. There will be a requirement that anyone applying to register as a British subject under the provision swear an oath of allegiance to the Crown, as provided in schedule 5 of the 1981 Act."

House of Commons

First reading: November 22 2005 (HC Bill 91)

Second reading: June 16 2005