The House of Lords’ European affairs committee has asked the home secretary to tackle post-Brexit travel problems, including issues with border officials and a new EU visa system.
The requests are part of a letter to Suella Braverman MP, asking her to “address a range of significant problems regarding the post-Brexit rights of UK and EU citizens”.
They follow an evidence session on May 16 at which the committee heard from representatives of key organisations that represent EU citizens in the UK and UK citizens in the EU.
The committee heard reports from witnesses that UK citizens have frequently experienced issues while travelling between the EU and the UK.
More: Brexit-related ‘complexity’ for travellers to increase, warns Julia Lo Bue-Said
This included misunderstandings by Schengen border officials on documentation and, in one case, leading to an incorrect charge for an alleged immigration offence.
The committee urges the home secretary to work with the European Commission and the authorities in EU member states “to ensure that guidance to border authorities is made as clear as possible”.
Furthermore, the committee asked Braverman for “further assurance” on steps being taken to ensure no disruption to travel between the EU and the UK as a result of the EU’s proposed introduction of the Electronic Travel Information and Authorisation System (Etias).
Other issues in the letter included the EU Settlement Scheme; UK citizens’ rights in the EU; and resources to support UK citizens in the EU.
Lord Wood, acting European affairs committee chair said: “It is clear from the evidence we received that there continues to be a range of serious concerns about the rights of both EU citizens in the UK and UK citizens in the EU.
“We are particularly concerned that the backlog that has developed as a result of delays to applications to the EU Settlement Scheme is having a serious impact on individuals who are living in uncertainty, leaving them unable to make the fundamental decisions they need to live their lives, access work or support, or even travel outside of the UK.
“The success of both the UK and EU in handling these issues, in conformity with treaty obligations, will inevitably affect the overall relationship between the UK and the EU in the months and years to come”.
Travel agents at the Advantage Travel Partnership’s conference in Benidorm last weekend heard the consortium’s chief executive warn there will be “more complexity” to come when travelling, because of the UK’s exit from the EU.
“Whether you are a remainer or leaver, Brexit is making the travel experience more challenging,” Julia Lo Bue-Said told delegates, adding: “We are likely to see more complexity moving forward with increased stringency on immigration controls and such like.”
She highlighted the EU’s Etias visa scheme, the launch of which has been delayed until 2024, and the entry/exit system (EES), which will see the introduction of fingerprinting and facial recognition for Brits visiting the Schengen area.
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