The first British passports without the words European Union on the front cover have been issued to the public, despite the delays over Brexit.
They were introduced from 30 March – the day after Britain was expected to leave the EU.
Some of the burgundy passports including the words European Union will continue to be issued while the remaining stock is used up, but those applying for a new travel document will not be able to choose between the two.
However, both designs will be valid for travel. Susan Hindle Barone, who picked up her new passport on Friday, said she was surprised to see the EU words omitted because we’re still members of the EU.
What do we gain by leaving? There’s certainly a whole lot we lose. She added: Let’s face it, it’s not the changes to the passport it’s just symbolic.
The decision to remove the words was made in anticipation of Britain leaving the EU at the end of last month.
A Home Office spokeswoman said: “Burgundy passports that no longer include the words European Union on the front cover were introduced from 30 March 2019.
There will be no difference for British citizens whether they are using a passport that includes the words European Union, or a passport that does not. Both designs will be equally valid for travel.