New Citizens get Magna Carta gift

Left to right Cheuk Lik Chan, Cheuk Ngan Chan, Deputy Lord
Lieutenant Eric Wood and In Wai Chan. — Left to right Cheuk Lik Chan, Cheuk Ngan Chan, Deputy Lord Lieutenant Eric Wood and In Wai Chan.

Sealed in June 1215, Magna Carta – Latin for Great Charter – is one of the most celebrated symbols of justice, fairness and democracy.

The County Council’s Registration Service has worked with the Magna Carta Committee to celebrate the 800th anniversary of the document and present new British Citizens to Warwickshire with a special copy.

Fourteen people from countries including Nepal, Zimbabwe and Hong Kong attended the ceremony, which was their final step in the journey to become British citizens.

At the special Magna Carta citizenship ceremony, Deputy Lord Lieutenant Dr Eric Wood, OBE, said: “Magna Carta or Great Charter has been used as a basis to influence the rights of people worldwide and we are very proud to be celebrating it as we welcome new British citizens to Warwickshire.”

Each person attending was presented with a special scroll-like document including an image of the 1215 Salisbury Magna Carta and seal, and on the reverse side an explanation as to why Magna Carta is important today.

Cllr Kam Kaur, Portfolio holder for customers at Warwickshire County Council, said: “Magna Carta is the basis for the freedom and democracy that Britons enjoy in 2015 and we are delighted to commemorate it with our new British citizens.”