British travellers should be able to use e-gates at airports in the European Union “as soon as possible”, a minister has said. 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. This includes allowing British citizens visiting countries inside the bloc to use automated border control systems, known as e-gates.
Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said on Thursday, 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 added that the automated systems would deliver “huge efficiency advantages”, telling Euronews: “I want people who are going on their summer holiday from the UK to have the ease and use of that.”
His remarks comes more than two weeks after details of the wide-ranging UK-EU agreement first emerged on May 19. It also includes pledges for closer ties on defence, less red tape on food imports and exports as well as commitments on irregular migration.
Portugal’s Faro Airport has already started rolling out e-gate access to Brits, with Downing Street expecting British holidaymakers to use the tech in their millions.
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.”
When he unveiled the deal last month, Sir Keir Starmer 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.
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.”
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
