Keir Starmer was challenged to ‘stand up’ for Britain and fight tough new checks for UK citizens travelling to the EU.
The Prime Minister was warned that the new regime, which will require Britons to prove they have medical insurance and a return ticket, will cause ‘absolute chaos’.
Nigel Farage made clear Sir Keir should not accept the incoming rules and insist on a new deal.
The Reform UK leader told the Mail on Sunday: ‘The PM’s got to be tough.
‘He needs to stand up and say this is completely over the top.’
And Shadow Transport Secretary Richard Holden said ‘hard-working Brits’ were coming off ‘second best’ because Sir Keir failed to negotiate a better deal.
Mr Holden added: ‘So much for Starmer’s so-called reset with Brussels. We’re once again a rule taker, not a rule maker, and we have nothing to show for it.’
The criticism began over details of a strict new digital system which will apply to Britons and other non-EU travellers from October 12.
Keir Starmer was challenged last night to ‘stand up’ for Britain and fight tough new checks for UK citizens travelling to the EU
As well as the medical insurance and return ticket requirements, non-EU passport holders will have to have their fingerprints and a photograph taken the first time they use travel into the EU.
Passengers are also expected to be asked a series of questions to check they have proof of accommodation and enough money for the trip.
At most airports and ferry terminals, passengers will undergo the process at automated kiosks. But those who answer no to any questions are expected to be quizzed by a border officer, who could refuse entry.
The long-awaited ‘entry/exit system’ (EES) will also automatically flag arrivals at risk of overstaying.
Under post-Brexit rules, Britons without the right to work or reside in the EU can only stay for 90 days in any 180-day period. The new entry system has been long in the planning and is only due to be fully operational across the EU next April.
But there are fears that as the system begins there will be huge queues at EU airports, as well as delays at Dover, Folkestone and London’s St Pancras station – where French border checks are carried out before people embark on cross-Channel journeys.
And last night, Mr Farage said Brussels had created a system that was almost as strict as ‘getting into America’. He added: ‘How on earth we managed to negotiate a deal as bad as this, I do not know.
Nigel Farage made clear Sir Keir should not accept the incoming rules and insist on a new deal
‘For all the travellers who go to France, to have to prove medical insurance will be a very lengthy process.
‘Once again, Starmer has gaslit the public, telling us we’ve got a deal where we can go straight through [digital passport] gates.’
But a Home Office spokesman said the Government had ‘been working closely’ with the European Commission, member states, local authorities and the travel industry to prepare ports for EES.
They added: ‘We are supporting ports and carriers to ensure EES registration is simple for anyone travelling to the Schengen area.’
