Rishi Sunak’s post-Brexit EU border deal could be the first of many

Brexit still has many other rough edges to be smoothed, says Sean O’Grady

Rishi Sunak has reportedly asked officials to seek permission for Britons visiting the EU to use e-gates (PA)

Rishi Sunak is said to be eyeing up a new deal with the EU to ease the post-Brexit woes of Britons travelling to the bloc after recent chaos at the border. The prime minister reportedly wants an agreement that would let UK citizens use EU e-gates for passport checks to make life easier for British travellers and for commerce. This has led to much speculation about a warmer, closer relationship with the EU.

What’s the issue?

Given the queues that now form at Dover at peak times, ministers fear even more time-consuming checks due to be in place in 2024 will make matters worse. Airport passage could also be much slower if UK passengers aren’t able to use e-gate facilities at some European air terminals. The new rules would require the facial scanning of passport holders, for example, as well as fingerprints on file and a wide range of biographical information – and passports will still need to be scanned and stamped. Aside from the economic damage and waste of time, the prospect of more delays would be a vote loser and further undermine the Brexit project.