Sunak and von der Leyen speak on NI protocol deal
Rishi Sunak wants to strike a post-Brexit deal with the EU on passport checks, according to reports. The Prime Minister is eyeing up an agreement which would allow Britons to use e-gates at EU airports.
The move is aimed at avoiding travel chaos as the busy summer holiday period approaches.
Bloomberg News reported that British diplomats were sounding out EU counterparts.
The UK already allows EU visitors to use e-gates in Britain.
But the EU only allows citizens from the bloc and affiliated European Economic Area nations to use its passport e-gates.
However, Spain has already relaxed its rules to allow UK holidaymakers to use its e-gates.
Under EU plans due to be implemented in 2024, citizens from the UK and other so-called third countries could have their biometric data taken to obtain a visa waiver.
But the UK Government fears this will not be enough to end delays and is looking for full access to the EU’s e-gates.
Mr Sunak could raise the issue with EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at the G7 summit in Japan next month.
He is said to be pinning his hopes on a deal amid improved relations with Brussels.
The PM last month struck the Windsor Framework with the EU in a bid to resolve issues over the Northern Ireland Protocol.
Ms von der Leyen addressed Mr Sunak as “dear Rishi” during a joint press conference after signing the deal on post-Brexit trading arrangements for Northern Ireland.
She hailed a “new chapter in our partnership” that will foster a “stronger EU-UK relationship”.
Meanwhile, Mr Sunak said: “The United Kingdom and European Union may have had our differences in the past, but we are allies, trading partners and friends.
“Something that we’ve seen clearly the past year as we joined with others to support Ukraine. This is the beginning of a new chapter in our relationship.”
Downing Street has been contacted for comment.
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