Why Post Brexit will UK passports not be printed in UK but in Europe?

Question

Here is a bit of news the UK government didn't want you to hear and have tried to keep very quiet.

UK passports and bank notes have always been printed and issued in UK by British Company De La Rue. They also print passports and currency for several countries worldwide.

Surprisingly it turns out that back in 2019 after brexit was secured their contract for issuing UK passports was mysteriously cancelled and given to a French/Dutch Company Gemalto, now trading as Thales DIS.

Am I the only person who thinks it rather strange that a UK business that prints passports and currency for countries worldwide will no longer print UK passports?

Or is it like in so many other instances, government contracts have been removed from long standing suppliers and given to other companies that are owned by people who are friends or associates of conservative MP's?

Anonymous · Answer

It doesn't matter who prints it, it's just a contract awarded, they are still issued by her majesty. Your citrus fruits don't always come from the UK, they never did when it was impossible to create a false environment to grow them.

Tavy · Answer

It went out to Tender and the cheapest company won.
Knew this years ago, it's old news.

Anonymous · Answer

I have a bit more news for you, you'd better sit down first; Queen Victoria is dead. I know, it was a bit of a shock for me too.

Anonymous · Answer

It doesn’t really matter does it?
Wherever they are printed, they will be British passports.

Anonymous · Answer

Here is a bit of news for you the UK government announced a long time ago that UK passports and bank notes were going to be printed by  French/Dutch Company Gemalto, now trading as Thales DIS.

The Truthseeker · Answer

It is always about saving a buck or two and or alternatively, seeking concession on some other front. It is hush hush because the Brexit people will not look kindly to it.

Anonymous · Answer

The UK will roll out new "iconic" blue passports for a post-Brexit Britain in March — but they will be produced in Poland by a French-Dutch company. The announcement that the company Gemalto had won the contract to produce the passports caused controversy in 2018.22 Feb 2020

Anonymous · Answer

I haven't heard of any plan to print banknotes outside the UK but the contract for the unnecessary switch to blue passports was awarded to a non-UK company solely on price.

? · Answer

That is OK.  Most casinos do not use De La Rue cards in the UK, they use Fournier Vitoria 818's which have always been made in Spain.

Anonymous · Answer

Hardly news, this was known about  two years ago, 
when EU procurement rules still applied. Gemalto are 
major suppliers to the USA and leaders in e-technology.

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Why Post Brexit will UK passports not be printed in UK but in Europe?

11 Answers