CULLINAN wrote: ↑Tue Jan 05, 2021 5:16 pm
Not sure what is the logic to cancel ALL ceremonies as reported by previous members - by Kent and Glasgow?
Gov website says:
Weddings, civil partnerships, religious services and funerals
Weddings, civil partnership ceremonies and funerals are allowed with strict limits on attendance, and must only take place in COVID-19 secure venues or in public outdoor spaces unless in exceptional circumstances.
Funerals can be attended by a maximum of 30 people. Linked religious, belief-based or commemorative events, such as stone settings and ash scatterings can also continue with up to 6 people in attendance. Anyone working is not counted in these limits. Social distancing should be maintained between people who do not live together or share a support bubble.
Weddings and civil partnership ceremonies must only take place with up to 6 people. Anyone working is not included. These should only take place in exceptional circumstances, for example, an urgent marriage where one of those getting married is seriously ill and not expected to recover, or is to undergo debilitating treatment or life-changing surgery.
So why can not individual ceremonies go ahead?
Or it is kent and glasgow cancelled group ceremonies?
In the list above, I would equate citizenship ceremonies with weddings and civil partnerships rather than with funerals (there is generally no alternative to a funeral, whereas weddings, civil partnerships and citizenship ceremonies can be postponed as all or most participants will likely remain alive).
The article you quote from itself states that "[t]hese should only take place in exceptional circumstances". Given that there is nothing exceptional about British citizenship while the person lives within the UK (as I have pointed out
earlier), I imagine that many councils will look at postponing any in-person citizenship ceremonies.
Those that have organised virtual ceremonies may continue with the procedure. But keep in mind that the council staff still have to attend the ceremony, most likely from their workplace, and so some councils with virtual ceremonies may also choose to cancel their ceremonies.
Ah, the joys of devolution, with each sub-national entity (in this case, each council) making its own rules.
I am not a lawyer or immigration advisor. My statements/comments do not constitute legal advice. E&OE. Please do not PM me for advice.