British company, De La Rue has been making the burgundy British passports since 2009, and were going to appeal the governments decision to opt for a foreign company to make the new blue passports post Brexit. However, De La Rue has decided not to appeal against the government's decision, hence, the new passports are set to be made by a Franco-Dutch company, Gemalto.
The Home Office was hit by protests in March after Gemalto was lined up to deliver the £490 million passport contract. Chief executive of De La Rue, Martin Sutherland, found this decision as “shocking news: and wanted to to get this decision overturned. However, he has now backed out.
Martin Sutherland said, “Having done our homework and taken legal advice we now think the best pragmatic decision is to move on. Our chances of getting the decision overturned look slim. This is the rough and tumble of business, you win some you lose some. I've been consistent. On the day I said I was surprised and disappointed on the decision and it is still surprising and disappointing. I remain in the same place today.”
