Julian Knight MP has called for the return of the United Kingdom’s traditional, blue-and-gold passports after the country’s vote to leave the European Union.
The current burgundy design was introduced – in the face of British resistance – in 1988, as part of Brussels’ attempt to impose greater uniformity on member states. The UK was the last member to adopt it.
Before then, the ‘Old Blue’ design had been something of a British icon, recognised and admired in ports and airports across the globe.
Commenting on the campaign, Julian Knight said:
“Before Brussels got their hands on it the British passport was once one of the most elegant and recognisable in the world – the League of Nations even described the design as ‘perfection itself’!
“Our vote to Leave gives us a great opportunity to revive this classic British icon: a return to ‘Old Blue’ would be a welcome symbol of the fact that we are a proud, independent country.
“I will be questioning the Government about this when Parliament returns in the autumn.”