Post-Brexit UK passports - seen by Eurosceptics as a symbol of the nation's regained independence from Brussels - could be made in Europe, it has emerged.

Two foreign companies, believed to be French and German, are competing with a British firm for the £490m contract.

Insiders told The SundayTimes the private security company De La Rue is the UK business vying to win the work.

Eurosceptics had complained about the identical, burgundy passport used by EU members since the 1980s.

Image: Eurosceptics want a return to the old-style UK document (L), and the EU format ditched

They argued Brexit would allow a return to an older style of British passport with a navy blue background and the Royal Arms embossed.


Brexit-backing MPs are reported by The Sunday Times to be "seeing red" at the possibility the contract may be won by a company based in the EU.

Speaking to the paper, the Conservative MP Andrew Bridgen complained about the appearance of European firms on the shortlist.

He said: "While I want to see the Government achieving the best value for money, it would be ludicrous if our passports were made in Europe."

Tory MP Andrew Rosindell, the chairman of the parliamentary flags and heraldry committee, argued the contract should be awarded to a UK company.

"I want to see the new British passport manufactured in Britain in a British factory employing British people because if it is not it rather defeats the objective of upholding British identity," he said.

Neither the Home Office nor De La Rue have commented.

The winner of the contract is expected to be announced before Christmas.