UK to introduce new blue passport with updated security features
In a move that has stirred up mixed reactions among UK citizens, the government has announced plans to switch back to the blue passport design for all new passports issued from 2020 onwards. This decision comes as a result of the UK’s departure from the European Union and the desire to symbolize the country’s newfound independence.
The return to the blue passport has been a highly contested topic, with some viewing it as a positive step towards reclaiming national identity and sovereignty, while others see it as a backwards and nostalgic move. The current burgundy EU passport has been in use since 1988, and for many, it has become a symbol of the UK’s membership in the European Union.
Proponents of the blue passport argue that it will provide a sense of pride and nostalgia for many British citizens who remember the iconic design from years past. The blue passport was first introduced in 1921 and remained in use until the UK switched to the burgundy design in 1988. Many Brits see the blue passport as a symbol of the country’s identity and a reminder of its historical ties to the rest of the world.
However, opponents of the switch argue that the color of the passport does not change its function or importance. They believe that the government should focus on more pressing issues, such as the economy and healthcare, rather than spending time and resources on changing the passport design.
Despite the controversy, the government has stated that the new blue passports will feature updated security features to combat counterfeiting and forgery. The passports will also be manufactured in the UK by Franco-Dutch company Gemalto, which won the contract after a competitive bidding process.
Home Secretary Priti Patel has defended the decision to switch back to the blue passport, stating that it is a symbol of the UK’s independence and sovereignty. She also emphasized the importance of updating security features to ensure the safety and integrity of the passport system.
Many UK citizens have expressed mixed feelings about the change, with some welcoming the return to the blue passport and others feeling indifferent or even opposed to it. Some have taken to social media to voice their opinions, with hashtags such as #BluePassport trending on Twitter.
The introduction of the new blue passport has also sparked debate about national identity and what it means to be British in a post-Brexit world. Some see the switch as a positive step towards reaffirming the UK’s place on the world stage, while others worry that it may further divide the country and alienate those who do not identify with the color blue.
Overall, the decision to switch back to the blue passport has brought up a range of emotions and opinions among UK citizens. As the country prepares to leave the European Union and forge a new path, the passport design serves as a tangible symbol of the changing times and the complexities of national identity in a globalized world.
