Visas Schengen Area 2025-07-10
2025-07-10
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
UK citizens, including constituents of Tom Hayes living part-time in Spain, face limited visa options post-Brexit, leading to more frequent travel by air.
Many thousands of constituents, including Philip and Kathryn in my constituency, live for part of the year in Spain. Prior to Brexit, they did so without restriction, but now they face limited visa options, resulting in more frequent flying. What conversations has the Minister had with Spain’s Government about ending these barriers?
I thank Philip and Kathryn for raising this issue, and I know my hon. Friend is a powerful advocate for them. The Foreign Office leads on bilateral issues with EU member states, and they regularly engage on a range of issues. While we recognise that extending the 90/180 day period is a matter for member states and the EU, my hon. Friend can be assured that we will continue to listen to and advocate for UK nationals affected.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific details of discussions with Spain's government or concrete actions taken.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Northern Ireland is in a unique position with dual market access due to the Northern Ireland Protocol. There are concerns about the application of EU law and how it affects movement.
As the Minister knows, Northern Ireland is in that wonderful limbo land of movement—half in the United Kingdom and half in the EU, because of the unfinished protocol Bill. Can he tell us how those in Northern Ireland will be affected by the Schengen area due to the particular, and perhaps peculiar position they are in as a result of the protocol?
Northern Ireland has the unique advantage of dual market access. On the wider issues of application of EU law that the hon. Gentleman is talking about, he can be assured that as co-chair of the joint committee I work carefully and closely on these matters with the Northern Ireland Executive.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific details or concrete actions regarding impact on Northern Irish residents due to Schengen area visa rules.
Response accuracy