New UK passport blasted for having just two women and no Scots

IT is a badge of identity which seeks to celebrate some of the best-known cultural figures and landmarks in British life. But an overhaul of the traditional passport has been attacked by critics who accuse the UK Government of sexism and ignoring famous figures from Scottish history.

By MARTYN McLAUGHLIN Tuesday, 3rd November 2015, 5:31 pm

The theme for the latest version is 'Creative United Kingdom', celebrating icons of British arts and culture. Picture: PA

The revamped document, which will be rolled out to citizens later this year, is designed to trumpet the achievements of artists, writers, and scientists down the centuries. The row has overshadowed what was intended as a feelgood redesign of the passport to coincide with tougher security measures, which include advances in the use of UV and infrared light, inks and watermarks.

It is the accompanying illustrations, however, that have animated some members of the public. While a map of Edinburgh and likeness of its famous castle span two pages, not a single Scot features among the individuals chosen by the Passport Office, a list that was given the seal of approval by ministers.

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Stewart Stevenson, the SNP MSP for Banffshire & Buchan coast, tweeted that the “new UK passport design seems to omit Scotland and Scots”.

Equalities activists also point that out of the nine historical figures, just two are women – architect Elisabeth Scott and mathematician Ada Lovelace – prompting allegations of sexism.

Labour’s shadow employment secretary Emily Thornberry said: “This is an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women as well.”

She added: “We have had this fight about bank notes and now it’s about passports. I just feel as though we are here all over again.”

Asked about the selection process for the figures included in the new document, Mark Thomson, director general of the Passport Office, said he felt the choices offered a “good representative view” highlighting icons such as Scott alongside the likes of Shakespeare and Constable.