The British government is all set to bring its iconic blue passport back post Brexit. The first of these blue passports will be issued in early March. UK will also ditch the burgundy passport covers that are used by EU member states. “The British passport will once again be entwined with our national identity,” announced Home Secretary Priti Patel on Saturday. By Kumar Shree
While Brexit and the introduction of these passports have been matters of intense tension for the country, many are finally rejoicing at the feat. These new passports are being made by the Franco-Dutch firm called Gemalto at its site in Tczew, Poland. Talking of Brexit, those advocating for it hail the step as a reclamation of British identity, as well as that of freedom from the European Union. Those against Brexit, however, see this as a petty move.
A Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Seb Dance, who backed the idea of staying within the European Union tweeted, “I actually like the French-designed Polish-printed new UK passport.” “Of course the previous one — which allowed Brits the right to work, study and retire freely across their own continent — was probably more useful,” he added.
“Leaving the European Union gave us a unique opportunity to restore our national identity and forge a new path in the world,” Priti Patel told the media, adding, “By returning to the iconic blue and gold design, the British passport will once again be entwined with our national identity and I cannot wait to travel on one.”
“I think it’s a wonderful thing if people want to have a blue passport again. I remember a sense of personal loss and outrage when they were taken away,” British Prime Minister Boris Johnson had told ITV News in 2017.
With the return of the blue passport, UK now joins 81 other countries who use blue on their passport covers.
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