Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if her Department will take steps to prevent one parent obtaining a passport for their children without the consent of the other.

There are no plans to change the current policy on who can apply for a child’s passport. Her Majesty’s Passport Office already has in place provisions for someone to inform them of concerns regarding safeguarding and abduction.

HM Passport Office also recommends that where issues occur, parents, guardians or a legal representative seek direction from the courts and if informed HM Passport Office will allow a period of time for this to be obtained before a passport is issued.