MOANING about the weather and drinking endless cups of tea could soon become second nature to these new British citizens.
A resident from each of London's 33 boroughs attended a citizenship ceremony hosted by London mayor Boris Johnson on Friday.
Among those made citizens were Thomas Fink who is originally from America but is now living in Westminster, Imogen Hone, an Australian native but who currently resides in Kensington and Chelsea, and Ethel Chuks-Spencer, who comes from Sierra Leone, but has moved to Hammersmith and Fulham.
Each was presented with a certificate and commemorative gift by the mayor and the chair of the London Assembly, Darren Johnson.
Mayor Boris Johnson said: "This ceremony is an important way of encouraging immigrants to play a full part in the communities they live in and to contribute to the health and recovery of their new city and country. Today has been about celebrating the immense contribution new citizens make and ensuring that this doesn’t go unnoticed as too often we forget how important immigration is for our economy and cultural life."
Chair of the London Assembly, Darren Johnson added: "I am proud to live in a country and a city that people from across the globe have decided to call their home."
New citizens are required to make an oath or affirmation of allegiance and a pledge. The oath of allegiance is: "I (name) swear by Almighty God that on becoming a British citizen, I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, her Heirs and Successors, according to law".
The affirmation of allegiance reads: "I (name) do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm that on becoming a British citizen, I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, her Heirs and Successors, according to law".
To make the pledge, citizens must say: "I will give my loyalty to the United Kingdom and respect its rights and freedoms. I will uphold its democratic values. I will observe its laws faithfully and fulfil my duties and obligations as a British citizen".
