Not every new initiative out of the Home Office has been universally welcomed, but there is one I have not heard a bad word about, and I saw for myself why.

The Citizenship Ceremony for people joining us as citizens of the UK is an altogether good thing, and very moving.

There we all are in County Hall, with friendly welcoming speeches from the Registrar and the Vice Lord Lieutenant. Then we witness the oath of allegiance from proud new British citizens.  A wonderful mix of people and families, originating from Zimbabwe, South Africa, Philippines, Rwanda, India, Finland, Ghana, Australia, Lebanon, Kenya, Bangladesh, Uganda and Romania.

Smiling faces, little children proudly holding aloft their Certificates of British Citizenship, and a rousing chorus of God Save the Queen led by a choir of students from St Gregory the Great School.

I give a  speech of congratulations about the joys of our multicultural society and how its freedoms have their foundations in mutual respect and tolerance.

It is moving to meet those who are so glad to have gained what so many of us can take for granted, and who are determined to contribute to our country as they take on our common citizenship.

It is a bright spring day, and our Oxford is a good place to be.