THE independence referendum has been omitted in the official guide providing information to foreign nationals preparing to become UK citizens – despite a section devoted to political events since 2010.

There is no mention of the historic vote in September 2014 – or the result – in the material studied by tens of thousands of people every year ahead of taking the controversial tests set by the Home Office.

However, the political events leading up to the EU referendum in 2016 and Brexit itself feature in highlights of the chapter on “A Long and Illustrious History”, which also covers the Romans, the Anglo-Saxons and the Wars of the Roses.

Under the heading 2010 Onwards and Brexit, the handbook states: “In May 2010, and for the first time in the UK since February 1974, no political party won an overall majority in the General Election.

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“The Conservative and Liberal Democrat parties formed a coalition and the leader of the Conservative Party, David Cameron, became the prime minister.”

The text then skips to the 2015 General Election – with no mention of events in Scotland.

It adds: “The Conservative Party won a majority at the General Election of May 7, 2015 and David Cameron remained prime minister.

“The Conservative government called a referendum of the UK’s membership of the European Union. This was held on June 23, 2016. The UK voted by a margin of 51.9% to 48.1% to leave the European Union.”

It continues by citing Cameron’s departure as prime minister, and then goes into Theresa May and Boris Johnson’s succession. It does not state that Scotland and Northern Ireland both opposed Brexit.

A list of key dates in the guide’s appendices does also not mention the independence referendum, though it does cite the Brexit date details. Life in the UK Test Handbook is used as a study guide by tens of thousands of people every year and includes the full text of the official study materials “Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents”.

Anyone wishing to become a UK citizen or permanent resident must pass the test, which costs £50.

The assessment requires people to learn about British history, culture and law based on information set by the Home Office.

Alyn Smith, the SNP MP, said: “The UK has one of the worst citizenship regimes in the world, I have seen countless friends of mine jump through umpteen unnecessary hoops, paperwork and expense to navigate an appalling system that discriminates against women in particular and many others in subtle but telling ways.

“I tried to answer some of the test myself and would have failed!

“I object to the fact a test exists at all, but even then it is clearly written from a Whitehall-centric perspective with the other bits or perspectives of the UK being obvious add ons, like when the broadcasters talk of the “two main parties” ignoring the reality of life in Northern Ireland as well as Scotland.

“It underlines why we’ll be better independent in Europe, able to implement a humane and inclusive system that will actually welcome New Scots.”

The Home Office conceded that the guide did not include the independence referendum but insisted it covered general information about the devolved administrations.

A spokesperson said: “These claims are inaccurate – the Life in the UK test covers the regional differentiations of the devolved administrations, including different processes in the judiciary and currency variations. The Home Office ensures that all tests contain questions relevant to the nation they are taken.

“We have materials available online and in print which cover all the essential knowledge needed, including practice questions and answers, and keep the test and its contacts constantly under review.”

Claims in the handbook have previously run into controversy with academics last year saying some of the material was “fundamentally misleading and in places demonstrably false”.

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More than 180 historians urged the Government to review its citizenship test – arguing it glosses over colonialism, overlooks the role of colonised people in the building of Britain and misrepresents the nation’s role in the Atlantic slave trade.

The Life in the UK test has formed a core part of citizenship applications since 2005 when it was introduced by the then Labour government.

However, academics have warned the material provided for those looking to gain citizenship is “fundamentally misleading and in places demonstrably false” in an open letter published in the journal History last July.

“This official, mandatory version of history is a step backwards in historical knowledge and understanding”, the letter stated. “Historical knowledge is and should be an essential part of citizenship. Historical falsehood and misrepresentation, however, should not.” It added: “The Life in the UK Test is neither a trivial quiz nor an optional discussion point ... It is an official requirement in the application for settlement or citizenship and provides essential information about the United Kingdom.”