UK travellers will be allowed to use EU passport e-gates in new deal: report

UK passport holders will be able to use e-gates across Europe for the first time since Brexit as part of a new government deal.

The Guardian reports that officials on both sides are in talks about allowing British travellers to use e-gates reserved for people from the EU or European Economic Area when arriving at airports in Europe, ending the current two-queue system.

The deal is part of negotiations ahead of the highly anticipated UK-EU summit in London on Monday, 19 May. Downing Street has already committed to several changes which it says will be good for growth, jobs, and the country’s borders.

“Tomorrow, the Prime Minister will set out how a strengthened, forward-looking partnership with the European Union will deliver for working people and lead to more money in pockets as part of our Plan for Change – and sticking to the red lines set out in our manifesto,” Downing Street said in a statemnt on Saturday, 17 May.

“It will be better for UK producers, who face red tape and checks just to export to our nearest and biggest trading partner. Or sometimes can’t export at all. It will be better for British supermarkets, who have to pass these costs onto consumers and reduce the availability of products on shelves.”

“And it will be better for British families who face higher bills, queues on holiday and whose safety and security are harmed by a lack of cooperation between neighbouring countries facing the same global challenges.”

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that the deal was especially important given the uncertainty facing the world’s economy.

“In this time of great uncertainty and volatility, the UK will not respond by turning inwards, but by proudly taking our place on the world stage – strengthening our alliances and closing deals in the interests of British people,” he said.

“First India, then the United States – in the last two weeks alone that’s jobs saved, faster growth and wages rising. More money in the pockets of British working people, achieved through striking deals not striking poses.”

“Tomorrow, we take another step forwards, with yet more benefits for the United Kingdom as the result of a strengthened partnership with the European Union. It will be good for our jobs, good for our bills and good for our borders,” Starmer said.

“That’s what the British people voted for last year, and it’s what my government will deliver.”