MP in Ireland passport scrap campaign

Paul Rowen MP in Parliament

Passport checks when travelling to Ireland have been scrapped, after Rochdale MP Paul Rowen lead a Government campaign.

He says for people to have to use a passport to travel to Ireland would be bad for tourism.

Also the Lib Dem Shadow Work and Pension’s Minister, Mr Rowen said the scheme was simply illogical and is pleased that the Government has agreed to not implement the plans.

He said: “I know many elderly people without a passport who have visited their homesteads because of the ‘Common Travel Area’ rule that allowed them to just bring photo ID.

“This scheme was simply an illogical Government response to a problem that does not really exist. It would have cost the taxpayer at least £2.5 million a year for staff and close to a £50 million in tourism."

The changes were due to be introduced as part of the ‘Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Bill’, which was debated in the House of Commons last night.

The Liberal Democrats tabled an amendment to try to stop the changes that were reluctantly accepted by Immigration Minister Phil Woolas MP who said he still believed the proposals were necessary but he would not attempt to push them through the Commons.