Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

EU Entry-Exit System: Transport Delays 2026-07-16

Thursday 16 July 2026 · 6 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 3 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Transport Secretary and the Minister have held regular discussions about the EU entry-exit system and its potential impacts on passenger flows.
  • The Secretary of State has met with French and EU counterparts to discuss necessary easements or adjustments for the summer.
  • The Minister is willing to meet representatives from the freight and logistics sector to find solutions.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Joshua Reynolds Lib Dem
Transport Brexit
Context

Discussions around the EU entry-exit system's impact on passenger flows and border delays.

Question

What discussions she has had with Cabinet colleagues on transport delays caused by the EU entry-exit system?

Answer from Keir Mather

The Transport Secretary and I have held regular discussions about preparations for the EU entry-exit system, and its potential impacts on passenger flows. The Secretary of State has engaged directly with counterparts in France and the European Union, stressing the need for appropriate border staffing levels to support smooth journeys for British travellers.

Answered
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Q2 Jonathan Reynolds Labour (Co-op) Stalybridge and Hyde
Immigration Brexit
Context

The European Commission has confirmed that member states can suspend EES checks for up to 90 days at peak times.

Question

Can the Minister confirm whether there have been conversations with European counterparts about applying flexibility at Dover, Folkestone and St Pancras this summer?

Answer from Keir Mather

The Secretary of State has met her French counterpart and the relevant commissioner at the European Union to discuss a range of issues relating to EES. We continually discuss what easements or adjustments are necessary to ensure that flows are appropriately managed.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific discussions about applying flexibility at Dover, Folkestone and St Pancras were not confirmed

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Q3 Rachel Taylor Lab
Business & Trade
Context

Road haulage companies in the constituency are reporting huge delays due to EES.

Question

Will the Minister meet me and those in the freight and logistics sector to find solutions?

Answer from Keir Mather

I would be glad to meet my hon. Friend and representatives from the freight sector. We want to ensure that we get this right, so I would be glad to meet her to discuss this subject.

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Q4 Greg Smith Con
Immigration Migrants & Borders
Context

The Government is facing criticism for last-minute meetings with European counterparts to address issues.

Question

How on earth have we got to a situation where the Secretary of State is making last-minute dashes to the European Commission and the French Government?

Answer from Keir Mather

The meetings that we are having on EES, both in Government and with our counterparts, are to ensure that we get this right, ahead of the peak period. We have supported the port of Dover and Eurotunnel with £3.5 million each in preparation for EES, and earlier this week, we announced £20 million in funding, subject to relevant checks, to further support border infrastructure at the port of Dover.

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Q5 Greg Smith Con
Brexit
Context

There are concerns that the introduction of the EES system will cause chaos for holidaymakers and freight operators.

Question

If we get the chaos predicted, will the Government demand that the system be shut down and paused until technology is ready?

Answer from Keir Mather

Ministers have been clear with French and EU counterparts, that they should do all they can to avoid disruption, including using existing flexibilities in EES regulations. We are not being complacent and asking for things retrospectively; we are taking the right steps now.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific commitment to shutting down or pausing the system was not given

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Q6 Olly Glover Lib Dem
Brexit
Context

The Secretary of State's announcement provided details on UK and French borders, but less on EU member country airports.

Question

What tangible and specific outcomes resulted from discussions with the European Commission regarding airport passenger flow?

Answer from Keir Mather

We have discussed the flow of passengers through member state airports with our relevant partners in the European Commission, and we continue to raise issues at both in-country posts and ministerial level.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific outcomes or commitments regarding airport flows were not detailed

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