The new burgundy passports, came into force on March 30, the day the UK was to leave the EU
The new burgundy passports. Pic/AFP
London: New British passports are being issued without the words "European Union" (EU) on its cover, despite the delay to Brexit. The new burgundy passports, came into force on March 30, the day the UK was to leave the EU. But some people might still receive the old version until stocks run out, reported BBC News on Saturday. One recipient said she was "truly appalled" at the change.
ADVERTISEMENT
Dark blue passports resembling the pre-EU British design are due to be issued from the end of the year. Susan Hindle Barone, who received her new passport on Friday, told the Press Association the design should not change as long as the UK remained member of the EU. "I was just surprised as we're still members of the EU. I was surprised they've made the change when we haven't left, and it's a tangible mark of something that I believe to be completely futile. What do we gain by leaving?
There's certainly a whole lot we lose," she said. The change in the UK passport design has proved a rallying point for Brexit supporters, with former UK Independence Party leader Nigel Farage describing the 2017 decision to bring back the dark blue design as "Brexmas". The decision to remove the "European Union" label was made in the expectation that the UK would leave the EU at the end of March, as scheduled.
Catch up on all the latest Crime, National, International and Hatke news here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
