The UK's peak holiday period has begun, with an estimated 2.2 million Brits expected to travel abroad over the next four days – but many are facing frustration due to a malfunctioning EU border control system.
Liberal Democrats' foreign affairs spokesperson Calum Miller called on Prime Minister Andy Burnham to request that European Union leaders temporarily suspend the Entry-Exit System (EES) at least until September. The system, which requires non-EU citizens to register upon arrival and submit biometric data, has been in effect since April 2022.
Miller criticised the EES as "bungled" and "malfunctioning", with passengers reporting lengthy queues and missed flights. He urged Prime Minister Burnham to "pick up the phone" to EU leaders to persuade them to suspend the system until at least September, blaming a "disastrous Brexit deal" for the current situation.
Abta, the travel association, has noted strong demand for destinations such as Spain, Greece, Portugal and Italy. Chief executive Mark Tanzer advised passengers to allow extra time for their journeys, acknowledging that many will be experiencing the EES for the first time.
Greece has already indicated it will not impose additional biometric checks on UK nationals, who make up the majority of its incoming non-EU tourists. Meanwhile, technological issues with equipment provided to France have rendered automated booths at its borders inoperable.
The UK government has been engaged in discussions regarding the EES, with Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander meeting EU commissioners and her French counterpart last week. A government spokesperson acknowledged that the new checks are a significant change for British travellers and promised to do everything possible to minimise disruption.