UKIP MEP Nikki Sinclaire has secured a pledge from the US Secretary of State of Homeland Security to protect the British identity of UK citizens travelling to the United States.

 
The West Midlands MEP this week welcomed Janet Napolitano, America's first female head of Homeland Security, to “the pedantic European Parliament” and highlighted the better quality of freedom of speech that is enjoyed in the USA.
 
The Secretary of State responded to Ms Sinclaire's call for American assurances that the UK citizens will continue to be recognised as UK citizens only following the Lisbon Treaty on entry to the USA and not deemed European Union citizens.

The Secretary of State was attending Friday’s Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs.

Ms Sinclaire also called for a more simplified visa process for British citizens seeking to spend longer periods in the US, this included a cheaper route to contacting the American embassy and simplified application process. The Secretary of State confirmed that this issue would be considered.