Passengers at the Eurostar terminal at St Pancras station in central London
By The Nexus Gazette.
August 27, 2024
The UK government has committed £10.5 million to prepare for the EU’s new Entry/Exit System (EES), a digital border system set to be introduced this autumn. This investment is designed to ensure smooth travel between the UK and EU by upgrading key ports, including the Port of Dover, Eurostar, and Eurotunnel, to handle the new border checks efficiently.
In a significant move to manage the impact of Brexit on UK-EU travel, the UK government has announced a £10.5 million funding package aimed at preparing critical infrastructure for the upcoming EU Entry/Exit System (EES). This new system will require travelers from non-EU countries, including the UK, to register their biometric data—such as fingerprints and photographs—at the border. The system is set to roll out later this year, making it essential for UK ports to be fully equipped to handle the new requirements.
The government’s £10.5 million investment will be distributed across three major gateways: the Port of Dover, Eurostar, and Eurotunnel. Each will receive £3.5 million to implement the necessary upgrades to accommodate the new EES technology. This funding aims to prevent the anticipated delays and disruptions that could arise from the introduction of the new border checks.
The Port of Dover, a vital hub for UK-EU trade and travel, will utilize the funds to accelerate the Granville Dock Project. This project will repurpose the marina at the Western Docks for EES processing, allowing for a more efficient flow of traffic and reducing waiting times for travelers. The upgrade is critical as the Port of Dover is one of the busiest ports in the UK, with a significant volume of passenger and freight traffic passing through daily.
Both Eurostar and Eurotunnel will also benefit from the £3.5 million funding, which will be used to install additional EES kiosks, conduct extensive testing, and recruit and train staff to manage the new border control processes. These upgrades are essential for ensuring that the new system is integrated seamlessly and that travel disruptions are kept to a minimum.
Key government ministers have emphasized the importance of these preparations in maintaining the smooth flow of travel between the UK and the EU. Future of Roads Minister, Lilian Greenwood, highlighted the need for swift and effective implementation of the EES, despite it being an EU-led initiative. She noted that these upgrades are crucial for keeping traffic moving and avoiding significant delays at the UK’s busiest ports.
Seema Malhotra, Minister for Migration and Citizenship, reiterated the government’s commitment to minimizing disruption for British travelers. “While the Entry/Exit System is a new requirement from the EU, our priority is to ensure that UK travelers face minimal inconvenience. By investing in these key ports, we’re working closely with the European Commission and member states to keep travel as smooth as possible,” Malhotra stated.
This £10.5 million investment reflects the UK government’s proactive approach to managing the challenges of post-Brexit travel. By prioritizing the readiness of the Port of Dover, Eurostar, and Eurotunnel, the government is taking steps to ensure that the new EU border checks do not lead to significant delays or disruptions for travelers.
The funding will support critical infrastructure upgrades that are essential for the smooth integration of the EES. As the autumn deadline for the system’s implementation approaches, these investments are expected to play a crucial role in maintaining the efficiency of UK-EU travel. This strategic move is part of the government’s broader efforts to adapt to the new realities of Brexit and ensure that the UK remains a key player in European travel and trade.
Resources:
1.https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-pledges-new-support-to-prepare-for-eu-border-checks
2.https://au.news.yahoo.com/uk-spend-10-5m-eu-115651018.html
3.https://www.aol.com/news/uk-spend-10-5-million-125310892.html
4.https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4gz9n06rxdo