Faro Airport opens e-gates to British travellers in time for summer
Downing Street expects British holidaymakers will be able to use the technology in their 'millions', after Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer struck an agreement with EU leaders last month.
Cabinet Office minister Nick Thomas-Symonds, whose brief includes EU relations, said at the despatch box on Thursday that the deal 'makes life easier for holidaymakers'.
The Prime Minister's official spokesman said: 'Yesterday, Portugal opened e-gates at Faro Airport to British citizens, which will mean millions more Brits going to the Algarve will be able to use e-gates in time for the summer holidays.'
He added: 'We're obviously continuing to work with other countries and other airports to ensure Brits can use more e-gates as soon as possible and that work continues.
'It's obviously good news to see a very significant airport, I think for British holidaymakers, opening e-gates to British citizens yesterday.'
Cabinet Office minister Nick Thomas-Symonds said Faro Airport would start rolling out e-gate access to UK arrivals this week (Lucy North/PA)
When he unveiled the deal last month, Sir Keir said that 'for holidaymakers wanting to get out this summer, they will want to know that they can do so easily and without delay and chaos'.
The Prime Minister called on 'all EU members states to help make this a reality without delay'.
Since Brexit, UK nationals have been unable to use e-gates in most Schengen area countries.
Passengers from the UK face warnings that passport controls on arrival at Portugal 'may take up more time, as the passport will have to be stamped and there are additional questions that may be asked by the border control officers', according to the Faro Airport website.
The Government has said the deal will smooth over 'legal barriers to e-gates use for UK nationals', once a new stamp-free biometric Entry/Exit System (EES) launches, due in October this year.
Taking a question about steps 'to improve relations with the EU', Mr Thomas–Symonds told the Commons: 'The historic deal that we signed with the EU on May 19 is in our national interests – good for bills, borders and jobs.
'It slashes red tape and bureaucracy, boosts British exporters and makes life easier for holidaymakers.
'Indeed, I'm delighted to confirm this morning that Faro Airport in Portugal will start the rollout of e-gate access to UK arrivals this week.'
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The Guardian
an hour ago
- The Guardian
Between ‘rollover UK' and ‘retaliatory China': will EU hardball secure trade deal with US?
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Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
Terrifying message sent by ‘Chinese hackers' to M&S boss after crippling cyber attack on British retailer is revealed
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Customers experience difficulties collecting online purchases and returning items due to system issues. Initial reports emerge on social media of problems with contactless payments and click-and-collect services at M&S stores across the UK. Customers experience difficulties collecting online purchases and returning items due to system issues. Monday, April 21: Problems with contactless payments and click-and-collect persist. M&S officially acknowledges the "cyber incident" in a statement to the London Stock Exchange. CEO Stuart Machin apologises for the disruption and confirms "minor, temporary changes" to store operations. M&S notifies the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) and engages external cybersecurity experts. Problems with contactless payments and click-and-collect persist. M&S officially acknowledges the "cyber incident" in a statement to the London Stock Exchange. CEO Stuart Machin apologises for the disruption and confirms "minor, temporary changes" to store operations. M&S notifies the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) and engages external cybersecurity experts. Tuesday, April 22: Disruptions continue. M&S takes further systems offline as part of "proactive management". Disruptions continue. M&S takes further systems offline as part of "proactive management". Wednesday, April 23: Despite earlier claims of customer-facing systems returning to normal, M&S continues to adjust operations to maintain security. Contactless payments are initially restored, but other services, including click-and-collect, remain affected. Despite earlier claims of customer-facing systems returning to normal, M&S continues to adjust operations to maintain security. Contactless payments are initially restored, but other services, including click-and-collect, remain affected. 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The Guardian
an hour ago
- The Guardian
The Guardian view on Scottish politics: Labour wins the seat but not – yet – the argument
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