British MPs seek feedback for enquiry into EU border check delays

A group of British MPs is calling for an urgent inquiry saying they are “alarmed” by potential disruption and difficulties when the EU implements its electronic borders system next year.

It is “imperative” to do a “thorough and open” investigation into likely effects of the EES, says the European Scrutiny Committee.

The launch of the European Entry/Exit System (EES) has been delayed several times from its original start date of May 2022 and is now expected in autumn 2024.

Read more: Has a date now been set for launch of EU's new Entry/Exit System?

Non-EU nationals who do not live in the EU but are visiting, will have to submit biometric data including a fingerprint scan and photograph on their first entry into the Schengen area after

the scheme starts (or when they leave if already in the area). They will also submit data from their passport, such as name and date or birth.

Special kiosks and/or notebook computers are expected to be used.

Read more: data kiosks to be put at French border for EU entry checks

Other information collected will include traveller’s date of entry and exit from the Schengen area, which is intended to remove the need for passport stamps.

Committee chairman Sir William Cash, known for his eurosceptic views, said in a statement: “The scale of potential disruption became apparent to us on our visits to the Port of Dover and

Folkestone earlier this year. We quickly realised that this under-appreciated issue was one that deserved detailed scrutiny.”

Read more: Major delays on France-UK border in 2024, warns new Brexit report

In particular, the MPs had found “suggestions that day-trippers would have to leave their cars to complete checks, among other problems, alarming”, he said.

The committee is therefore calling on people with experience or expertise in the field to send in evidence to help it “shed light” on potential effects for tourists and businesses.

You can submit evidence at this website by 17:00 UK time on January 12, 2024.

The European Scrutiny Committee was set up post Brexit to monitor new EU laws as to their potential effects on the UK, and the implementation of the Brexit deals.

Areas it is interested in obtaining views and information about include:

European Entry/Exit System: Nine key things to know in advance