Over the course of two ceremonies, external, about 30 people stand up, state their names and either read out an oath of allegiance to King and country or a non-religious affirmation.

The national anthem is sung before official photographs are taken.

"It's amazing. I can't stop grinning," says Sydney, a 38-year-old nurse who began her journey to citizenship in 2018 when she came to the UK from The Philippines.

Asked why she moved, her answer is one we hear repeatedly throughout the day.

"All citizens from not-very-privileged countries want to have a better life for their family and the opportunities the UK gives us. My aunt and my sisters are here as well.

"Thinking about where I came from and all the hardships I went through, it's the ultimate thing for me, really. It's really emotional."

According to NHS England data, external, 18% of nurses reported an Asian nationality, the vast majority Indian or Filipino.

In the East of England, that number is even higher, at 24%.

According to the Migration Observatory, since the UK's departure from the European Union, the number of Asians migrating to the UK has increased, with the post-Brexit immigration system favouring skilled workers from non-EU countries... Full story in the link