from 1 january 1983, a child born in the uk or the falkland islands to a parent who is a british citizen or "settled" in the uk or the falkland islands is automatically a british citizen by birth. this provision is extended to children born to such parents in any remaining british overseas territory other than akrotiri and dhekelia after 21 may 2002. since 13 january 2010, a child born to a parent who is a member of the british armed forces at the time of birth also automatically acquires british citizenship if he or she was born in the uk or a qualified british overseas territory.