By Ben Kerrigan-
The British Home Office announced the return of the blue British passport, in what is being celebrated as a sybol of national identity. after several years of using the traditional burgundy coloured.
The new coloured passport will be used by anyone who applies for a passport or renews one after 2019. The announcement has been greeted with strong approval by section of the British press in favour of Brexit, particularly The Sun Newspaper who have previously campaigned for the colour change.
Immigration Minister Brandon Lewis, described the return to the traditional blue passport as a “unique opportunity to restore our national identity”.
“So from the first day we leave, new passports will look different and within months they will be very different, because they will be dark blue again.
“We wanted to return to the dark blue passport because we recognise the strong attachment people had to it.”
The dark blue version will then come into production in October when the passport is scheduled to be redesigned, as happens every five years.
Conservative MP Andrew Rosindell said in April that the burgundy passport had been a source of national “humiliation”.
Following Mr Lewis’ announcement, another Conservative MP Michael Fabricant told the Times: “Our passports are iconic of our national identity. They were going to have to be updated anyway with new security enhancements and to remove ‘Citizen of the European Union’ after Brexit.
“I am delighted that we will be reverting to our blue colour.”
SOVEREIGNTY
Passports are believed to be a key symbol of sovereignty, a notion very central to the Brexit phenomenon which Britain is currently in the process of undertaking. The current burgundy passport has EU markings attached to it, but once the UK departs officially from the EU, the colour change will be seen as a powerful sign of political independence by very patriotic brits. Remainers will not be particularly excited by the change because of its association with the suspected gloom believed to accompany Brexit by cynics who believe the Brexit destination to be a disaster waiting to happen. The tough political obstacles in talks between the UK and the EU facing the British Government has alienated those who favour staying in the EU rather than leaving. Warnings from the International Monetary Fund(IMF) that economic growth is being affected by the high uncertainties surrounding political talks with between the two has increased scepticism in may quarters.
Economic growth in the UK has been fluctuating lately, but is showing signs of improvements and self sustainability. The UK is aiming to achieve a viable and profitable trade relation between the UK and the EU. Passport size, along with its many other features, is mandated by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), an agency of the UN. All assports are legally required to be machine-readable, as part of international standards required to enable all passports to fit the machines used in airports.
Most recent changes to British passports have been induced by the United States, not the EU. The U.S has always mandated the inclusion of certain passport features for participation in its visa-waiver programme. Its visa waiver programme allows citizens of most developed countries to enter the US for business or recreation trips of up to 90 days without a visa. Strict photo requirements and biometric features are embedded in U.S demands in compliance with ICO standards. The announcement of plans to return to the blue British passport could incense EU leaders more, who may act to toughen requirements for the type of smooth transition away from the EU that Theresa May’s government wants. UK Government officials must be aware of this possibility and keep their game tight and highlight any sign of foul play EU leaders may try to play. Provided the UK plays its card fairly , wisely, and properly, the announcement should have no real negative impact on talks.