Starting a new life in a new country is a huge and dramatic change for anyone. Those who have chosen to come and start afresh in Britain - specifically, in the Bradford district - will be welcomed on Monday with the first citizenship ceremonies at City Hall.

We should not underestimate the weight and importance attached to this ceremony, which includes taking an oath of allegiance to the Queen and making a pledge to uphold British democratic values.

This ceremony on Monday is a historic occasion, being the first one to take place in the whole of West Yorkshire.

Bradford has a long history of welcoming diverse groups from around the world and this formalisation of the process to grant citizenship to immigrants coming to Britain is surely a good thing.

It will help to give those who are making their permanent home here a sense of belonging, a feeling that they are not just moving to a strange country to live but are joining vibrant, established communities.

It will also help the newcomers recognise the importance of adhering to the laws and beliefs of their adopted home, without losing sight of their own cultures, traditions and religions.

It is vitally important that anyone who wishes to come and live in Britain feels part of the country and that anyone who chooses Bradford as their home feels they are part of the city and its surrounding districts.

We would like to extend a warm welcome to all those who are taking part in the citizenship ceremonies on Monday and in the future.