Sadiq Khan, the Mayor of London, has sounded the alarm regarding potential “chaos” for passengers traveling on Eurostar services due to the impending implementation of the EU’s Entry-Exit System (EES).
Khan’s warning comes amid concerns that unless the UK government takes decisive action, Eurostar journeys could face significant disruptions.
The EES, slated for introduction across most EU countries in late 2024 after several delays, mandates the collection of biometric data, including fingerprints and facial images, from visitors entering the EU from third countries such as the UK and US.
HS1, the operator of the high-speed rail line linking London’s St Pancras station with the Channel Tunnel, recently cautioned that the introduction of EES could result in prolonged delays for Eurostar passengers. Additionally, there are concerns about potential service limitations and passenger capacity restrictions. HS1 expressed dissatisfaction with the current plans to manage the implementation of EES, deeming them “inadequate.”
In response to these concerns, Mayor Khan, representing the Labour Party, urged the UK government to extend support to HS1 and Eurostar to address any issues arising from the implementation of EES before its anticipated rollout in October.
During a radio interview, Khan emphasized the importance of Eurostar’s success to London’s and the UK’s economic prosperity, highlighting St Pancras as a pivotal gateway for both tourists and business travelers. He underscored that the anticipated post-Brexit checks could lead to disarray at St Pancras, potentially resulting in service cuts and extensive queues during peak travel times. Khan attributed these challenges directly to Brexit and urged government officials not to evade responsibility for addressing them.
Khan stressed the urgency of providing HS1 and Eurostar with the necessary support to resolve these issues promptly, emphasizing that reducing services and exacerbating delays is unacceptable.
Furthermore, beyond the implementation of EES, the EU plans to introduce the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) for third-country travellers by mid-2025. Concurrently, the UK is in the process of rolling out its own Electronic Travel Authorization system.
Khan’s concerns highlight the complexities and potential disruptions associated with post-Brexit travel arrangements, underscoring the need for proactive measures to mitigate adverse impacts on cross-border transportation and ensure the continued smooth operation of vital transport links between the UK and the EU.