This Autumn, the European Entry-Exit System (EES) is due to come into force. This is a new digital border system for the whole of Europe. It will upgrade the current visa and ‘wet passport’ stamping process to a digital passenger advance check-in registration and biometric fingerprint and facial recognition.
The EU’s EES system is intended to tackle illegal immigration, visa overstaying, organised crime and terrorism threats. Strong borders are sensible, so the tightening of the ‘open borders’ approach, which has caused problems across Europe is to be welcomed.
However, when it comes to implementation, it is a typical EU ‘one size fits all’ system. It was designed with airports in mind, so it won’t work well for Dover. This is because French border checks happen before departure from Dover, instead of on arrival in France.
The implementation of EES is a cause for concern. This is because without changes to make it work for Dover, each and every passenger will need to have their biometrics checked at the busy port – which could, in turn, lead to massive tailbacks right across Kent.
I’ve been working hard to secure special solutions for Dover over the last three years. While some progress has been made, especially around managing coaches, extra check-in booths and more French border staff, there is a lot of work still to do in a very short space of time – if the changes come in as planned.
A particular problem is that the French and EU haven’t finalised how it is going to work. There are a number of different ways that it could be implemented. That makes it very difficult to make sure that the right preparations are in place. With October only a few months away, time is running out to make the physical changes required or order any new equipment needed.
That’s why I called a meeting with the Roads Minister in Dover last month to emphasise the seriousness of this issue to our local community, and what could and should be done to manage the transition to this new style of border checks.
I’ve also taken the investment case for Dover to the Chancellor, asking for more money on top of the £45 million which has been allocated to improve local roads and port arrangements to smooth traffic flows. Fellow Kent MPs have supported me to make sure that everyone – from the Prime Minister and the Foreign Secretary to each minister involved in this programme – is working at pace to prepare for the change so that we can Keep Dover Clear and Kent moving for businesses and residents alike.
Without urgent planning, good implementation and investment, the new system could have a severe impact on our community and Kent as a whole. That’s simply not acceptable. This is why it’s a key priority for me in Parliament, and I am working hard to avoid serious problems for our community.