Over 75s to get free passports
The Home Office has announced that all British citizens born before September 2nd 1929 will be entitled to free passports.
The Home Secretary today said that the decision had been made in recognition of the sacrifices made by the war time generation.
Speaking today, David Blunkett, said: “I want to thank and honour every adult who helped us defeat the Nazis and their allies – not just those in our brave armed forces, but those who played their part on the home front. Now the wartime generation – some 4.5 million people – will receive free passports for life in recognition of what they gave to secure our nation’s liberty and democracy.
“The years of the Second World War were amongst the darkest in our nation’s history. We must never forget the sacrifices made and bravery shown by the entire wartime generation.”
The announcement was welcomed by the Royal British Legion. Its secretary general, Brigadier Ian Townsend, said: “The Royal British Legion warmly welcomes this new scheme which, through the generosity of the Government, will enable all those who lived through and remember World War II to travel the world and visit places they may remember, countries which were liberated by the Allies, or beyond.”
The scheme is an extension of the one-year free passport scheme for veterans of the Normandy landings to visit the commemoration ceremonies last year. Passports will be renewed without charge for eligible individuals, with refunds available for those who purchased a passport between May and October this year.
A standard passport currently costs £42.
