Written question asked by Simon Hughes (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 20 March 2012, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 26 March 2012. It was answered by Damian Green (Conservative) on Monday, 26 March 2012 on behalf of the Home Office.

Passports

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when she plans to consult on the removal of gender markers from passports.

Answer: The ““Advancing Transgender Equality —A Plan for Action”” published by the Home Office on 8 December 2011 set out the Department's commitment to review how gender identification is represented in passport application forms and passports. The Home Office is engaging with international partners on the security and personal safety implications of gender displayed in the passport as part of the normal process of working with partners to ensure that the British passport holder is able to travel freely, securely and without hindrance. The Home Office will contact key stakeholders in the UK in the light of the outcome of discussions.

Secondary information