PASSPORT RENEWAL

Early day motion 1653, tabled 14 September 2004 by Baroness Hoey (Labour). Signed by 35 members.

That this House notes with great concern the high cost incurred since August 2003 by foreign nationals holding settled status in the UK who wish to have their status transferred to their new birth nation passport following expiry of their existing passport; further notes that not all foreign nationals in this position will be able to afford to pay ú155 for a postal transfer request or ú250 for a personal visit to the Immigration and Nationality Directorate for this purpose; further notes with concern that a British national wishing to renew their passport needs only pay ú42 to do so; believes that this constitutes discrimination against those who have a right to live in the UK, but who have chosen not to relinquish their birth nationality; and calls upon the Government to review these unfair charges forthwith.

Signatures by party: Labour 25, DUP 3, Liberal Democrat 3, UUP 2, Conservative 1, Labour/Co-operative 1.