Killers granted citizenship in Britain, report finds

The Home Office is facing heavy criticism after a report found that insufficient checks had allowed convicted murderers to be granted citizenship.

Only 3% of citizenship applications were refused in 2013, down from 9% in 2007 - and, as Deputy Political Editor Chris Ship reports, the UK's immigration inspector has been highly critical that "no attempt" had been made to check criminal records in applicants' home countries.

The citizenship process needs to be reviewed urgently, Home Affairs Committee Chair Keith Vaz said.

It comes after a report found killers were being granted citizenship in Britain after "virtually no checks" done on their background.

Mr Vaz said the committee would be "seeking answers" from Home Secretary Theresa May on Monday.

The Home Office are "in the process" of revoking a known killer's citizenship in Britain, a Downing Street spokesman said.

A report revealed the man confessed to stabbing someone to death in his own country but was still allowed to stay.

Asked whether David Cameron was concerned about the case, the Number 10 spokesman added: "It's extremely regrettable that the wrong decision was made in that case.

"The important thing here is that where errors and mistakes have been made, these are identified and changes are made."