The dual citizenship scandal/imbroglio/fiasco

Yes, but, the High Court says. He or she has to take all the steps that are reasonably required by Greek law to make clear that he or she does not in fact wish to be legally Greek, and publicly and apparently successfully renounces such Greekness. What are these steps? I don't know, but we will probably find out in time.

Back to the dual citizen problem. Do we really not want dual citizens to be in our Parliament? There's quite a good case for saying that they have extra experiences that will be valuable in the chamber. At present, the High Court is saying No. A few of my extended family have dual citizenship status (UK and Australia) while a couple of others have been born in other countries or have parents who were born overseas, and they will have the right to be citizens there too, in time. None has talked of wanting to run for Parliament, but I see no good reason why they should be excluded. As I have said before, I am a nation-state person, and see no real good in the present system of world government. I accept that we have to have something, but dislike much of what there is.

Once all countries have reached a minimum standard of living and minimum conditions for free speech and private property, then I can imagine the world moving to some kind of federated international system. And there dual or triple citizens might be most useful and in abundance, as well. But for the moment we have a problem.

Oh, and as a footnote, the Acts Interpretation Act 1901, a dictionary or manual that applies to each Parliament, says straightforwardly (at 33AB) that

Anything done by or in relation to a person purporting to act under an appointment (including an acting appointment) under an Act is not invalid merely because: …

(b) for any appointment-there was a defect or irregularity in connection with the appointment; …

It has been suggested that some of the decisions made by former Ministers Joyce and Nash might be questioned. Their supporters will no doubt bring this little sub-section forward. It has been there for a very long time.