Blue passport contractor admits two-year delays

‘The real question we should be asking is what exactly have we been saddled with’

THE Franco-dutch firm set to produce blue post-brexit passports was facing questions last night as it emerged that its contracts elsewhere have been hit by delays and legal challenges.

The Daily Telegraph has learnt that Gemalto has been locked in tense discussions with Norway’s government over the production of new national identity cards and passports, which have been pushed back by two years.

In Sweden, a procurement contract awarded to Gemalto last year has been revoked following a legal challenge.

In April the firm was awarded the rights to produce the new UK passport over the British firm De La Rue, which currently produces them.

Last night Sir Bill Cash, who chairs the Commons European scrutiny committee, said there were “serious question marks” over Gemalto’s suitability to produce British passports.

“This was a dreadful mistake, and the real question we should be asking is: what exactly have we been saddled with?” he said.

Gemalto last night said that it had revised the Norwegian project timeline due to “legislative and project-related changes” to ensure “high-quality delivery” of the new passports.

Separately, officials in the Estonian government have said they are considering suing the firm over allegations that it could have left Estonians vulnerable to identity theft and fraud. Gemalto denies this. It is responsible for the production of Estonian identity cards, which are used to access online banking and health records. The company has not had its contract renewed.

A Home Office spokesman said: “Her Majesty’s Passport Office works with all of its suppliers to ensure that services are delivered in line with its robust contractual demands and strict governance regime.”