Major summer holiday update for Brits on when they can skip EU airport queues
Under the terms of the Labour Government's Brexit "reset" agreement with Brussels, talks are continuing on ways to "smooth border management" between the UK and EU
UK holidaymakers could soon breeze through EU airport e-gates, as a minister has indicated that British travellers might be granted access to the automated border control systems in the near future.
The potential move comes as part of the Labour Government's Brexit"reset" agreement with Brussels, which aims to facilitate smoother border management between the UK and the EU.
Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds expressed optimism about the development on Thursday, June 5, stating: "We hope it is as soon as possible because part of the agreement is the [European] Commission saying there's no legal impediment to the use of e-gates."
He emphasised the benefits of such systems, telling Euronews: "I want people who are going on their summer holiday from the UK to have the ease and use of that."
The discussions around e-gate access for Brits come after the announcement of the comprehensive UK-EU agreement on May 19, which also includes commitments to defence cooperation, streamlined processes for food trade, and measures addressing irregular migration.
Already, Portugal's Faro Airport has begun offering e-gate access to British citizens, with expectations from Downing Street that the technology will be widely used by British tourists, reports the Express.
Cabinet Office minister Nick Thomas-Symonds, responsible for EU relations, highlighted the benefits of the deal at the despatch box on Thursday, remarking that it "makes life easier for holidaymakers".
The Prime Minister's official spokesman has rolled out some promising news for holidaymakers, announcing: "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."
The spokesman 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."
Recounting recent positive developments, he noted: "It's obviously good news to see a very significant airport, I think for British holidaymakers, opening e-gates to British citizens yesterday."
Sir Keir Starmer had previously highlighted the benefits of such agreements, stating when the deal was revealed last month: "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 urged "all EU member states to help make this a reality without delay." Since Britain's EU departure, UK nationals have faced increased queues and are no longer able to use e-gates in most countries within the Schengen zone.
The Government has indicated that the new aggreement will dismantle "legal barriers to e-gates use for UK nationals", coinciding with the launch of a stamp-free biometric Entry/Exit System (EES), slated for introduction in October.
Addressing Parliament on fostering better relationships within the EU, Mr Thomas-Symonds told MPs: "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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