A UK government minister has confirmed ongoing negotiations with the EU aiming to grant UK passport holders access to EU airport e-gates. These talks, described as being in their final stages ahead of a UK-EU summit in London, are prioritizing smoother border crossings for UK citizens.

Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds emphasized the importance of alleviating border delays, highlighting it as a “very sensible objective.” He clarified that any agreements reached would necessitate the UK making “sovereign choices” regarding alignment with common EU standards.

However, Conservative MP Alex Burghart expressed concerns, suggesting the proposed deal might lead to the UK becoming a “rule taker,” a situation he opposes.

Monday’s UK-EU summit, the first bilateral meeting since Brexit, is anticipated to be pivotal. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is expected to formally announce a deal following meetings with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa.

The anticipated agreement is expected to encompass various areas, including potentially granting the UK access to the €150 billion EU defence fund, boosting UK defence companies. Further potential agreements involve simplifying food exports and imports, establishing a youth mobility scheme, and enabling British travellers to utilize e-gates at EU airports.

Thomas-Symonds, leading the negotiations, characterized his approach as driven by “ruthless pragmatism,” focusing on economic benefits and enhanced border security. He stated that the government will evaluate contributions to EU projects on a case-by-case basis.

While expressing confidence in securing a deal on food exports and reducing related bureaucracy, Thomas-Symonds cautioned that “nothing is agreed until everything is agreed.” He cited instances of significant delays and spoilage of fresh produce due to excessive red tape as a key driver for reform.

Burghart reiterated his concerns about the potential for “dynamic alignment,” where the UK adopts equivalent EU standards without direct participation in decision-making. He views this as an unacceptable compromise of British sovereignty.

Regarding a potential youth mobility scheme, Thomas-Symonds emphasized the importance of a “smart and controlled scheme,” clearly differentiating it from free movement.

While specifics remain undisclosed regarding potential caps or visa durations, the minister stressed the importance of maintaining control over immigration levels, aligning with government pledges to reduce net migration.

Liberal Democrat MP Calum Miller expressed concern that the government isn’t fully capitalizing on the opportunity to further improve relations with the EU, advocating for a more ambitious approach, including exploring a customs union.

Miller highlighted the potential economic benefits of reducing red tape, estimating it could be worth £25 billion, with further gains possible through a customs union. Conversely, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage voiced strong opposition to key aspects of the potential deal, suggesting it would represent a betrayal of Brexit principles.

Farage specifically criticized the potential youth mobility scheme and any extension of EU fishing rights in British waters. He also expressed concerns about potential implications for British military involvement under an EU flag.

Sign up for our Politics Essential newsletter for in-depth political analysis and updates.

The potential for UK travellers to bypass lengthy queues and utilize e-gates at European airports remains uncertain.

Negotiations are ongoing regarding a youth visa scheme and the UK’s financial contributions.

Food producers anticipate reduced paperwork for exporting goods under the new UK-EU deal.

The comprehensive deal addresses defence, trade, fishing, and a potential youth scheme, marking a significant post-Brexit development.

While acknowledging concerns, Eluned Morgan suggested the deal will improve export capabilities.

The UK government is actively pursuing an agreement that would grant British passport holders access to EU airport e-gates, a minister has confirmed.

Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds, stating that negotiations are in their final stages before a UK-EU summit in London, described alleviating border queue congestion as a “highly sensible objective”.

When questioned about potential alignment with additional EU regulations, the European relations minister told the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg that any such agreement would involve “a sovereign decision regarding… the common standards we choose to adopt”.

Conservative MP Alex Burghart voiced concerns, suggesting the proposed deal could render the UK a “rule-taker”.

Monday will see the first UK-EU bilateral summit since Brexit, an event Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has called “a truly significant moment”.

Sir Keir is expected to formally announce the agreement upon meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa.

Expected announcements encompass trade and security collaborations, including potential British access to the €150 billion (£125 billion) EU defence fund, potentially benefiting UK defence industries.

Further anticipated agreements include facilitating British travellers’ use of e-gates at European airports, streamlining food export/import processes, and establishing a youth mobility scheme with the EU.

Thomas-Symonds, leading the negotiations, emphasized a focus on “unwavering pragmatism”, prioritizing jobs, reduced household costs, and strengthened border security.

The minister stated that the government will evaluate contributions to EU projects on a case-by-case basis, assessing “each one on its merits”.

Regarding British travellers’ access to EU e-gates, Thomas-Symonds expressed his commitment to expediting the process, stating: “I am certainly advocating for significantly faster passage.”

“I believe we can all agree that avoiding lengthy queues, and gaining more time for leisure or business travel, represents a very sensible goal.”

The minister expressed confidence in reaching a food-related agreement, adding the caveat, “nothing is finalized until everything is finalized”.

He further noted: “We’ve witnessed lorries enduring 16-hour delays, with perishable goods unable to be exported due to spoilage, all because of excessive bureaucracy and certification requirements; we are determined to reduce this.”

Burghart expressed concern about the UK adopting EU standards, potentially becoming “a rule-taker—precisely what we sought to avoid when leaving the EU”.

He noted that the government hasn’t ruled out “dynamic alignment,” maintaining equivalent regulatory standards on food and trade, despite the UK’s absence from future decision-making processes.

He added: “Since the government hasn’t dismissed this, we must assume it’s a serious possibility. And if so, this represents a concession of British sovereignty, which we will not tolerate”.

Regarding a youth mobility scheme, Thomas-Symonds emphasized negotiations for “a carefully managed program,” adding that “no one is suggesting freedom of movement. That’s a firm red line for us”.

The minister did not directly address questions about numerical caps or visa durations, such as those in existing schemes with Australia and Canada, but stressed that “that control element is crucial”.

He denied plans to exempt student numbers from overall migration figures, adding that “any agreement—and I stress this is in the sensitive final hours—will align with our commitment to reducing net migration”.

Liberal Democrat MP Calum Miller expressed concern that the government wasn’t utilizing this opportunity “in a changed environment, to truly advance” EU relations.

The party’s foreign affairs spokesperson argued that “pursuing an ambitious path toward a customs union is the best way to provide certainty to British businesses”.

Miller also claimed that reducing red tape could be worth £25 billion, and a customs union could yield further revenue gains.

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage asserted that an EU deal including a youth mobility scheme and extended EU fishing rights would be “a substantial betrayal of Brexit” and he would “revoke it” if he were prime minister.

Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Broadcasting House, Farage described the youth mobility scheme as “free movement for under-30s” and predicted a “one-way flow—far more people coming here than leaving”.

Farage suggested a defence agreement might imply “British soldiers under an EU flag”, adding “EU cooperation is acceptable, but not under an EU flag”.

Sign up for our Politics Essential newsletter for insightful political analysis, UK-wide perspectives, and updates on major events, delivered daily to your inbox.

It remains uncertain whether UK travellers can avoid lengthy queues and utilize e-gates at European airports this summer.

A youth visa scheme and the UK’s financial contribution are among the outstanding issues in the ongoing negotiations.

A food producer has indicated that the new UK-EU deal will simplify export paperwork.

The deal encompasses defence, trade, fishing, and a potential youth scheme, representing the first significant post-Brexit realignment.

Eluned Morgan acknowledged concerns, but expressed confidence in improved export capabilities.

A UK government minister has confirmed ongoing negotiations with the EU aiming to grant UK passport holders access to EU airport e-gates. Negotiations, described as being in the final stages ahead of a UK-EU summit in London, prioritize alleviating border queue congestion, according to Minister Nick Thomas-Symonds.

Thomas-Symonds clarified that any agreement would involve the UK making “a sovereign choice” regarding alignment with common EU standards. This prompted criticism from Conservative MP Alex Burghart, who expressed concern about the UK potentially becoming a “rule taker” under the proposed deal.

Monday’s UK-EU summit, the first bilateral meeting since Brexit, is considered a pivotal moment by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. The anticipated deal is expected to encompass various areas, including a potential £125 billion boost for UK defense companies via access to an EU defense fund.

Further agreements are anticipated regarding smoother travel for British citizens (including e-gate access at EU airports), streamlined food exports and imports, and a new youth mobility scheme. Thomas-Symonds emphasized a pragmatic approach focused on economic benefits and stronger borders, stating that financial contributions to EU projects would be assessed individually.

While expressing optimism about progress on food export regulations, Thomas-Symonds cautioned that “nothing is agreed until everything is agreed.” He highlighted the current challenges faced by exporters, including lengthy delays and spoilage of fresh produce due to excessive bureaucracy.

Burghart reiterated his concerns about potential “dynamic alignment” with EU standards, arguing this would represent a loss of British sovereignty. He emphasized that the government’s failure to rule out this scenario suggests a willingness to cede regulatory control.

Regarding a potential youth mobility scheme, Thomas-Symonds insisted it would be a “smart and controlled scheme,” emphasizing that it would not constitute freedom of movement. While details on caps or visa limitations remain unconfirmed, he stressed the importance of maintaining control over immigration.

Liberal Democrat MP Calum Miller expressed disappointment, suggesting the government isn’t fully leveraging the opportunity to strengthen UK-EU relations. He argued for a more ambitious approach, advocating for a customs union to boost the British economy.

Conversely, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage criticized the potential deal, suggesting that aspects such as a youth mobility scheme and extended EU fishing rights would betray the spirit of Brexit. He voiced particular concerns about the potential scale of immigration under a youth mobility program and the prospect of British military involvement under an EU banner.

Sign up for our Politics Essential newsletter for daily political analysis and updates.

Portsmouth councillors are currently deliberating on the future of a significant port site.

The potential for UK travelers to utilize e-gates at EU airports remains uncertain.

Outstanding negotiation points include a youth visa scheme and the extent of UK financial contributions.

A food producer anticipates reduced paperwork for exporting goods under the new UK-EU agreement.

The comprehensive deal covers defense, trade, fishing, and a potential youth mobility scheme, marking a significant post-Brexit development.