The UK has agreed a ‘reset’ with the EU, with talks to ‘smooth border management’ ongoing
UK holidaymakers should soon be able to use automated e-gates at EU airports, according to a government minister.
As part of the Labour Government’s Brexit “reset” agreement with Brussels, discussions are ongoing to enable British citizens to use e-gates when travelling to EU countries, making border crossings more efficient.
Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds expressed his hope for a swift implementation, stating on June 5: “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 highlighted the benefits of e-gates, telling Euronews: “I want people who are going on their summer holiday from the UK to have the ease and use of that.”
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This development comes after the UK-EU agreement was first announced on May 19, which also includes cooperation on defence, reduced bureaucracy for food imports and exports, and measures to address irregular migration.
In a promising sign, Portugal’s Faro Airport has already begun allowing British travellers to use e-gates, with Downing Street anticipating millions of UK holidaymakers will benefit from this technology, reports the Express.
Cabinet Office minister Nick Thomas-Symonds, responsible for EU relations, welcomed the agreement, saying it “makes life easier for holidaymakers”.
The Prime Minister’s official spokesman expressed optimism, saying: “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 continued: “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.”
Sir Keir Starmer, when revealing the agreement last month, highlighted the benefits for travellers: “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 has urged “all EU members states to help make this a reality without delay”. Since Brexit, UK nationals have faced restrictions using e-gates in most Schengen area countries.
The Government believes the deal will ease “legal barriers to e-gates use for UK nationals”, ahead of the new stamp-free biometric Entry/Exit System (EES) set to launch in October this year.
Addressing Parliament on improving EU relations, Mr Thomas-Symonds stated: “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.”
