A UK government minister is pushing for EU e-gate access in the final hours of Brexit deal talks. The goal is to reduce long queues for British travellers at European airports.
Nick Thomas-Symonds, the minister for UK-EU relations, confirmed the push during key negotiations before a high-stakes summit in London. He said faster border checks would benefit holidaymakers and business travellers alike.
The minister pushing for EU e-gate access said the plan reflects “ruthless pragmatism.” He stressed the focus is on jobs, lower living costs, and stronger border controls.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer is preparing to host EU leaders, including Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa. The summit marks the first bilateral UK-EU meeting since Brexit.
New agreements may include access to the EU’s €150 billion defence fund. That could unlock major opportunities for UK defence firms.
Another top issue is food export reform. Perishable goods have faced delays at EU borders due to red tape. Thomas-Symonds wants a simplified system to stop fresh produce from spoiling in transit.
He said delays of up to 16 hours for lorries must end. Cutting paperwork on food trade is now a central government priority.
The minister pushing for EU e-gate access is also advancing a youth mobility deal. The scheme would allow young people to work or study abroad for fixed terms. He insisted it is not a return to EU free movement.
Opposition leaders remain divided. Conservative MPs warned against accepting EU rules without influence, calling it “rule-taking.” Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said the deal would betray Brexit ideals.
He also criticised the youth scheme, claiming it would lead to one-way migration. Farage argued more EU citizens would come to the UK than the reverse.
Liberal Democrat MP Calum Miller took a different view. He urged the government to pursue deeper EU ties, including a new customs union. He said this could cut trade barriers and boost the UK economy by £25 billion.
Despite political divisions, the minister pushing for EU e-gate access believes practical progress is possible. He remains confident a final deal will reduce travel delays, cut red tape, and support economic recovery.
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