Should we always go for the cheapest option? Maybe quality is being sacrificed?

Should a matter of national security be dealt with by the private sector?

Edited by Oliver (22 Mar 2018 2.39pm)

Edited by Oliver (22 Mar 2018 2.40pm)

I have prepared one of my own time capsules. I have placed some rather large samples of dynamite, gunpowder and nitroglycerin. My time capsule is set to go off in the year 3000. It will show them what we are really like.

I forgot to mention that the company that lost out is crying foul "British contracts, British jobs". Yet they proudly state they print passports for countries around the world. So its OK to outsource to the UK but not OK for the UK to do likewise.

I have been listening all day to this story and I still have not yet heard a valid argument from the company beyond whinging.

If we stop open tendering we are inviting companies to raise their prices.

Security has now been raised as an issue and yet this was known when the tendering process started so what has changed.

One more point

Interesting point as a Brexiter I have no problem with our EU partners winning the business. Of course now that we are leaving the government of the day could always re-nationalise the passport office something they can't do under current EU regulations.

One more point

Why are you assuming that because something costs less that it's quality is always lower. That's a very British trait. A good example is when ALDI first came to the UK. They had trouble with their stores selling many products because the British saw cheap as low quality and always felt 'brand' names were better quality. ALDI then made a 'premium' range of products in 'premium' packaging and suddenly sales shot up. It took years for ALDI to reach their current dominant position in the UK retail industry and now their non-brand products are selling very well. Same goes for LIDL the other German owned retailer, both have excellent quality products at excellent prices that have been established for decades on the continent.

Paying less is often a sign that someone has a longer term vision and isn't trying to make quick profits through 'clever' marketing.

The argument for Brexit was so the UK could have free trade agreements and friendships with the whole of the world (including Europe) so the general population and the taxpayer (in this case with the passports) can save money. I'm perfectly fine with a French firm printing the passports if it's cheaper for taxpayer.

Brexiteers clutching at straws.

Would french passports be made outside France?

Non.

The PM in Brussels as usual trying to protect steel post-brexit this time.

In the EU we simply don't have that problem, out we do.

A complete media inspired story of no real relevance.

'Who are you and how did you get in here? I'm a locksmith. And, I'm a locksmith.' (Leslie Nielsen)

This is simply a business decision...their contract negotiator has royally f***ed up and as a result lost them the contract. That's the real world for you...nothing should be handed to anyone on a plate....other than fondant fancies that is!

The Voice of Reason In An Otherwise Mediocre World

In future on brexit we will just ask the BBC........

"Free at last free at last thank god almighty free at last."

Actually the next important date is the October deadline for the deal. That is when I will judge PM May. I never wanted a transition or to pay the EU 40bn but if we get a good deal it is a price worth paying. In the meantime the Tories need to start spelling out what the post Brexit world looks like. We have had hints about more money for the NHS I would like to see commitments e.g.

- £365mm per week for the NHS

- Free travel access for EU citizens with reciprocal arrangements, no visas. However a new law banning immigrants from claiming benefits until they have paid 5 years of tax. (Exception for refugees). In other words if coffee shops need Polish workers they will have to offer a decent salary as the worker cannot claim housing benefit.

- Pass control of fishing to the Scottish parliament (for Scottish waters)

- New deal for farmers to replace CAP. The deal should be aimed at the smaller farmers and environmental friendly policies.

- More money for training our youngsters. Currently lazy cheapskate employers import talent from the EU keeping our wages down. Time to tell them to start investing in our own people.

Anyway just a few ideas.

One more point