North MP fears airport delays

UK Transport Secretary Chris Grayling has insisted he does not expect passengers from the EU to face lengthy waits at airport security post-Brexit.

The SNP’s Drew Hendry pressed him on the issue in the Commons yesterday.

He has obtained figures from the Tourism Industry Council showing Border Force would need a 200% increase in staff to deal with people from the EU once the UK leaves.

The Airport Operators Association, which represents more than 50 UK airports, has also warned of severe disruption.

Inverness MP Mr Hendry, who is the party’s transport spokesman, said: “To reduce delays at UK airports, EU nationals who arrive in the UK are processed faster due to what is called a ‘soft border’ approach. Will you confirm that the government intends to continue those measures after the UK has left the EU?”

Mr Grayling said the detailed arrangements would be decided “as the months go by”.

But he added: “It is not our intention to create queues at our borders.

“It is already the case that when an EU citizen arrives in this country, they have to show their passport and I don’t envisage that changing in the future.”

Afterwards, Mr Hendry said: “The Tories have no answer as to how they intend to prevent further border chaos in light of the massive increase in checks that the end to free movement in the EU will bring.”

Chris Grayling