Labour leader Keir Starmer is facing fierce criticism after it emerged that British citizens could be subjected to stringent new EU border checks when travelling abroad. The proposed measures, which include fingerprint scans and facial recognition, have sparked fears of lengthy delays and disruption for holidaymakers.
What Are the New EU Entry Rules?
The European Union is rolling out its Entry/Exit System (EES), a digital border control scheme designed to track non-EU visitors. Under the new rules, British travellers will need to:
- Provide fingerprints and facial biometrics
- Undergo enhanced passport checks
- Potentially face longer processing times at borders
Political Fallout for Starmer
The revelation has put Starmer in a difficult position, with critics accusing Labour of failing to secure better post-Brexit travel arrangements. Conservative MPs have seized on the issue, branding it another example of Labour's weak stance on EU negotiations.
Impact on British Travellers
Travel industry experts warn the new checks could cause:
- Significant delays at busy airports and ports
- Chaos during peak holiday seasons
- Additional stress for families travelling with children
The changes are expected to come into force in 2024, with Eurostar and ferry operators already preparing for potential disruptions. While the government maintains these are standard security measures, many Brits feel they're being penalised for Brexit.
