First British passports without 'European Union' printed on cover issued

British passports without the words European Union on the front cover have been issued despite the Brexit delay.

The burgundy passports were introduced from March 30, the day after Britain was expected to leave the EU.

Some 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.

Dark blue passports, reminiscent of travel documents before the UK joined the EU, will be available from the end of the year.

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Susan Hindle Barone, who picked up her new passport on Friday, said on Twitter she was "truly appalled".

"I was just surprised - we're still members of the EU," she said.

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.

"In order to use leftover stock and achieve best value to the taxpayer, passports that include the words European Union will continue to be issued for a short period after this date.

"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."