Tony Blair: He’s got the look

London, Aug. 6: Tony Blair’s government has told holidaymakers and other overseas travellers to play their part in the war on terrorism — by looking miserable on their passport photographs.

Under new British security measures, all mugshots must in future “show the full face, with a neutral expression and the mouth closed”.

The advice is being sent to all applicants before the introduction next year of “ePassports", which make it harder for terrorists and criminals to get hold of fake passports.

The facial image on the photograph will be incorporated in a chip, which will be read by border control equipment. But the high-tech machines need to match key points on the face — a biometric — and this only works if the lips are closed.

The UK Passport Service (UKPS) said cheery types who flash a full set of teeth will have their applications rejected, though a modest grin may be allowed.

“It’s about having a closed mouth,” said a spokesperson. “An open-mouthed smile will throw the scanner off.”

Most people already think they look miserable enough on their passports. There is an old joke that if you look anything like your photograph, you need the holiday.