On Tuesday 23rd March, Merton held it’s first Citizenship Ceremony, where Merton’s five newest UK citizens took the traditional oath of allegiance to the Queen, followed by a new pledge to uphold British democratic values. The new citizens were then invited to join in the singing of the national anthem.

The Mayor of Merton, Councillor Maxi Martin, officiated the ceremony, which was conducted Merton’s Senior Registrar, Gemma Travers, assisted by the newly appointed Citizenship Officer, Maria Williams.

Merton’s newest citizens are David Genet and Katherine Mumford both from New Zealand, Clarencier Kaayega, from Tanzania, Philippa McInnes from South Africa, and Angelica Evans from the Philippines. They each received a certificate from the Mayor to commemorate the occasion, and had lunch with the Mayor following the ceremony.

Residents who have been granted citizenship now have to take part in the ceremony at their local registry office, the Ceremony is designed to welcome new citizens into local communities and help them to gain a deeper understanding of British values, alongside their own cultural heritage and the rights and responsibilities of becoming a UK citizen.

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