Who's eligible for a dual irish/british citizenship?

Is it true that i cant get a brittish passport?

• My mother came over here (australia) as a ten pound pom (as they were called) with her family in 1972. Her father fought for england in the war. He whole family traces back to burley, lancashire as far as the 1600's! Anyway, my father is australian and his parents are german and polish. My mum got her citizenship after i was born. I dont think shes got a british or an australian passport as shes never left the country since & she would have told me if she did. Someone told me i cant get a british passport or citizenship because it has to be my father whos british. I think thats stupid. As i said my grandfather even fought in the war for england & weve got roots firmly planted there.

• Answer:

  If your mother was born in the United Kingdom and she holds a full British birth certificate (showing her parents details) you have acquired British citizenship by descent at birth and you are entitled to apply for a British passport. The British nationality law has changed in 1983. Before 1st January 1983 only a British father could pass on British citizenship by descent to his children, since 1983 both parents can. The attached checklist shows what you need to get a British passport: http://ukinnewzealand.fco.gov.uk/resources/en/pdf/Passports/Checklist8-ApplicantbornoutsideUKafterJan1983MotherbornUK .. Further information how to apply: http://ukinnewzealand.fco.gov.uk/en/help-for-british-nationals/passports/how-to-apply/australia#requirements .. Should your mother not have a full UK birth certificate showing her parents details it can be ordered here: England and Wales: http://www.gro.gov.uk .. Scotland: http://www.gro-scotland.gov.uk .. Northern Ireland: http://www.groni.gov.uk ..