Minister welcomes good news on Welsh passports

Early this year, the Minister wrote to the Minister of State for Immigration Caroline Nokes MP seeking assurances that the UK Government will continue to use the Welsh language in new passports that will be issued following the UK’s departure from the European Union and reminding the Home Office of its obligations to the Welsh Language under the 1993 Welsh Language Act.

Following this correspondence, the Minister has received a letter confirming the Home Office intends to continue to provide the same Welsh provision as is currently available.

The Minister has also welcomed news that online applications for passports in Welsh will soon be available.

She said:

“The Welsh Language content that is currently included in passports was the result of discussions between the Welsh Government, the Home Office, and the European Union over a decade ago.

“Since then, the Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 2011 has given the Welsh Language official status. It is essential therefore that the Welsh Language is considered from the outset when the design and content of new passports are considered.

“I am therefore delighted to receive assurances from the Minister of State, Caroline Nokes that not only will there be no to change to the Welsh that is available on passports issued after Brexit but that the Passport Office is increasing its Welsh Language services and online applications will be available in Welsh in future.”