Sadiq Khan has blasted Brexit once against as he warns British holidaymakers should brace for further “chaos” due to Eurostar border checks.
The Mayor of London is expecting further difficulties to arrise once a new computerised border scheme proposed by the European Union takes effect.
All visitors entering the EU with visas or visa waivers will have to go through the automated EU Entry/Exit System.
The scheme is now scheduled to come into force in October.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan is a constant basher of Brexit
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Almost 19 million people used the Eurostar last year as traveller numbers returned to pre-pandemic levels.
Holidaymakers can venture to Belgium, France, Germany and the Netherlands.
The new system will record a non-EU national’s details and biometric data along with their date of entry and exit.
It will also keep track of overstays and refused entries.
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Passengers wait for news of Eurostar departures at St Pancras station in London
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Khan said: “As it stands these new post-Brexit checks will cause chaos at St Pancras (the London station serving Eurostar passengers), with cuts to services and potentially huge queues facing passengers at peak times.”
He added: “This is directly a result of Brexit, and it’s not an issue ministers can now wash their hands of.”
The UK formally left the Brussels bloc in early 2020 but waited some while to leave the single market and customs union.
The new automated system will replace the stamping of passports for Britons travelling to France.
Sadiq Khan has warned holidaymakers could face further delays
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HS1, which operates the line between London and the Channel Tunnel to France, described preparations are “severely inadequate”.
It could lead to massive queues and the potential capping of passenger numbers.
Khan also explained: “Ministers now need to offer HS1 and Eurostar all the support it needs to resolve these issues as a matter of urgency.
“Cuts to services and longer delays simply isn’t an option.”
A UK Government spokesman said officials are “working closely” with the EU to “minimise any impact” from the introduction of the new system.
