Brexit: Stop Overwhelming Us With Irish Passport Requests, Brits Told

The 48% have been scrambling to find ways to avoid a Brexit since last Thursday’s historic EU vote.

Apart from petitioning for a second referendum, those who voted to Remain in the EU have been desperately retracing their family histories, hoping to find European parentage.

This has mainly manifested itself in a spike in online searches for Irish passport details and then, shortly after, a run on applications.

However, those who are looking to secure this now-golden ticket have been given a clear message: calm down.

Irish Foreign Minister Charlie Flanagan has criticised the “unnecessary surge” saying it may impact Irish holidaymakers needing to travel – pointing out that Britain hasn’t actually left the EU yet.

“Following the UK referendum, there has been a spike in interest in Irish passports in Northern Ireland, Great Britain and elsewhere.

“The increased interest clearly points to a sense of concern among some UK passport holders that the rights they enjoy as EU citizens are about to abruptly end.”

He added: “The United Kingdom has voted to leave the European Union but it has not yet left.

"An unnecessary surge in applications for Irish passports will place significant pressure on the system and on turnaround times and is likely to impact those with a genuine need for passports to facilitate imminent travel plans.

"I urge those who believe they need to apply for an Irish passport immediately to enjoy free travel in the EU to take full account of the facts before making an application.”

(Credit: George Sweeney/REX/Shutterstock)