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19/05/2004
Over-75s to get free 10-year passports
People over 75 will get free 10-year passports in recognition of their wartime efforts at home and abroad, the government has announced.
Free one-year passports for D-Day veterans were announced last year to make it easier for them to travel to France this summer for the anniversary of the Normandy landings. So far almost 500 have been issued.
Home Secretary David Blunkett said today that extending the scheme to anyone born on or before 2 September 1929 would ensure veterans can make visits in future years and recognise those who helped the war effort at home.
"The determination of those who fought and worked during World War II must never be forgotten," he said.
"It is only right that veterans should be able to return easily to the battlefields where they bravely fought and where their comrades died and that those who worked hard on the home front should be rewarded as well."
Ten-year passports usually cost £42. People will be able to apply for the free passports through the normal procedure.
The government also announced last week that veterans will receive a new badge as part of the continuing commemoration of 60th anniversaries associated with the Second World War. It is designed to help the public recognise veterans and the contribution they made.
Former Defence Secretary Lord Healey, who served as a Beach Master during the Anzio landings in Italy in 1944, received the first badge on 10 May.
(gmcg)
Free one-year passports for D-Day veterans were announced last year to make it easier for them to travel to France this summer for the anniversary of the Normandy landings. So far almost 500 have been issued.
Home Secretary David Blunkett said today that extending the scheme to anyone born on or before 2 September 1929 would ensure veterans can make visits in future years and recognise those who helped the war effort at home.
"The determination of those who fought and worked during World War II must never be forgotten," he said.
"It is only right that veterans should be able to return easily to the battlefields where they bravely fought and where their comrades died and that those who worked hard on the home front should be rewarded as well."
Ten-year passports usually cost £42. People will be able to apply for the free passports through the normal procedure.
The government also announced last week that veterans will receive a new badge as part of the continuing commemoration of 60th anniversaries associated with the Second World War. It is designed to help the public recognise veterans and the contribution they made.
Former Defence Secretary Lord Healey, who served as a Beach Master during the Anzio landings in Italy in 1944, received the first badge on 10 May.
(gmcg)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
