Switch to an accessible version of this website which is easier to read. (requires cookies)

Beith battles on for passport interview facilities in Berwick

December 21, 2009 2:15 PM

The closure of Berwick's Passport Office now seems likely to go ahead some time in the New Year, according to MP Sir Alan Beith, who has been campaigning to retain interview facilities in the area.

Sir Alan said

"I have had several discussions with the Home Office Minister about it and she has accepted that constructive alternative ways of maintaining the service have been put forward by the Berwick staff, so it is even more amazing that Whitehall officials seem to be getting their way and going ahead with the nationwide closure programme, which has not changed at all as a result of the consultations.

"It was Whitehall officials who set up an over-elaborate and costly system - now they are refusing to accept that the service could be provided locally at much lower cost.

"I am discussing with the Minister whether a video link to Berwick for interviews can be provided because the alternative is that anyone needing their first passport will have to go to Edinburgh, Selkirk or Durham."

What would you like to do next?

  • Subscribe for updates

    Read updates from this website in your desktop or online news reader

    • On a news reader website

      •  
      •  
      •  

      In a desktop news reader or a website not listed above

      •  
    • Example monthly digest email
      •  
      •  
      •  

    • If you submit your contact details, Rt. Hon. Sir Alan Beith MP, the Liberal Democrats, and their elected representatives may use the information you provide to contact you about issues you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of these contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image

    Join our email list

    • If you submit your contact details, Rt. Hon. Sir Alan Beith MP, the Liberal Democrats, and their elected representatives may use the information you provide to contact you about issues you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of these contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image

    Follow the party's activity on...

  • Share this page

    Share this page on another website

    Link to this page

    On websites and printed material:
    berwicklibdems.org.uk/en/article/2009/099735/beith-battles-on-for-passport-interview-facilities-in-berwick
    In text messages, Twitter, or reading over the phone:
    alanbeith.org.uk/a54hL

    Email this page to a friend


    • Generate different image

    Print this page

  • Help out or donate

    Help out in your local area

      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  
      •  

    • If you submit your contact details, Rt. Hon. Sir Alan Beith MP, the Liberal Democrats, and their elected representatives may use the information you provide to contact you about issues you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of these contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image

    Join the Liberal Democrats

  • Tell us what you think

    Send us your views

    If you are a resident of the Berwick-upon-Tweed constituency and are writing to discuss any issue that Parliament or government is responsible for, you must provide your home address as MPs are generally only permitted to act on behalf of constituents.

    If you are not a constituent, you do not need to provide your address, but the matters we can deal with are more limited and you may wish to contact your local MP in the first instance.

    • If you agree, Rt. Hon. Sir Alan Beith MP, the Liberal Democrats, and their elected representatives may use the information you provide to contact you about issues you may find of interest. Some of the contacts may be automated. You can opt out of these contacts at any time by contacting us.


    • Generate different image

    Contact us by email, post, or phone