THE UK Government has been slated after reportedly giving Paddington bear a passport.
Rob Silva, co-producer of the latest film based on the exploits of the Peruvian bear, told the Radio Times the production had asked for a replica passport from the Home Office.
But he claimed they had in fact delivered an “official passport” for Paddington. Silva added: “You wouldn’t think the Home Office would have a sense of humour, but under official observations, they’ve just listed him as Bear.”
The BBC however reported that the Home Office had provided the filmmakers with a “specimen document” and that it could not be used – not least because Paddington is a computer-generated cartoon bear.
The news has elicited groans from social media users. One commentator responded to the story saying: “Twee Britain strikes again, with a torpedo of pure cringe.”
One Twitter/X user said: “This country needs to get over its fixation with Paddington Bear – it is a sickness.”
Another added: “This is going to end up in a nine-day news cycle that ends up with a minister admitting that the proper decision would have been to deport Paddington, or something, isn’t it?”
Others struck a more sombre note and said the Home Office’s actions to help the filmmakers contrasted with what they said were the uncaring bureaucracy people encounter in dealing with the department.
One social media user said: “If only the Home Office showed similar compassion to others forced to flee their country as it has done to Paddington.”
And a journalist added: “Once interviewed an immigration lawyer about Paddington’s chances of settling in the UK and getting a passport.
“The conclusion was that he’d be absolutely stuffed due to British immigration policy.”
Another said: “Paddington first appeared as a character in 1958.
“The Home Office taking 66 years to give him citizenship is the kind of speed and competence most asylum seekers have come to expect from the performatively cruel UK Government.”
