Passport Office decision ignores needs of rural residents, says Beith

12.00.00am GMT Tue 23rd Feb 2010

News that the Home Office will go ahead with plans to close Berwick's Passport Office shows that the Government is completely out of touch with the needs of people in rural areas, according to local Liberal Democrat MP Sir Alan Beith.

Sir Alan has been campaigning to ensure people from north Northumberland and the Borders do not have to travel long distances to be interviewed when applying for a first passport.

Sir Alan said

"The Minister has said that she understands the needs of rural residents and the problems facing people who will have to travel long distances to be interviewed for their first passport, but has decided to close the Berwick Passport Office despite this.

"The Government is completely out of touch with rural residents and I am deeply disappointed that alternative arrangements have not been made for the people in our area. A Video Interview Office is to replace the Oban Passport Office and I am sure that technology and a creative approach could have provided a suitable alternative for Berwick."

Sir Alan added

"I welcome the Minister's assurance that staff at Berwick's Passport Office are to be offered alternative work and that redundancies are unlikely."

Sir Alan will continue to pursue other options for interview arrangements with the Home Office.