MP warns British tourists ‘could die’ in 12 hour queues in Kent unless EU suspends new border checks
The article reports a warning from an MP that British holidaymakers travelling through Kent could face extremely long delays, with queues allegedly stretching to 12 hours if the EU introduces new border checks without changes or a suspension. The MP argues that such waits could create serious safety risks for people stuck in traffic for long periods, including the possibility of medical emergencies. The issue matters because Kent is the main route for many UK travellers heading to continental Europe, so disruption there could affect large numbers of passengers and freight movements.
At the centre of the concern are new EU border procedures expected to slow the processing of British travellers after Brexit. The article frames Kent, including routes to Dover and the Channel Tunnel, as especially vulnerable because heavy traffic can build quickly during busy holiday periods. The key figure highlighted is the prospect of queues lasting up to 12 hours, with the MP urging action before the system comes into force to avoid severe congestion and potential danger.
In short
- MP warns new EU checks could cause dangerous Kent queues
- Delays for British tourists could reportedly reach 12 hours
- Concern centres on Dover and Channel crossing routes
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The case for
The new EU border procedures represent an impractical and disproportionate burden that could genuinely endanger travellers and damage both UK tourism and cross-Channel commerce. Twelve-hour queues would create real risks of medical emergencies, dehydration, and severe distress for families and elderly passengers, whilst costing the UK economy significantly in lost tourism revenue and freight delays. The EU should consider suspending or substantially modifying these checks for British travellers, recognising that both parties benefit from frictionless travel and that current infrastructure is not adequately designed for such dramatic increases in processing time.
The case against
The EU's border procedures are a reasonable exercise of sovereignty and security responsibility that apply consistently to all third-country nationals, and suspending them for British travellers would be inappropriate and inconsistent. The UK chose to leave the single market and must accept the logical consequences: Britain is now a third country, and border checks are standard practice worldwide. The responsibility for managing queues lies with the UK to develop adequate infrastructure and processing systems, not with the EU to compromise its security standards. Whilst the risks described are concerning, they may represent worst-case scenarios that can be mitigated through better planning, investment, and staggered travel rather than suspension of legitimate security procedures.
Explained simply
The European Union is introducing new border checking procedures that will affect British travellers heading to mainland Europe. These checks are being introduced as part of post-Brexit border controls and are expected to slow down the processing of British passengers at EU entry points.
Kent is the main gateway for most UK holidaymakers and freight travelling to continental Europe, particularly through Dover and the Channel Tunnel. During busy holiday periods, disruptions at these crossing points can affect large numbers of passengers and have knock-on effects throughout the region.
An MP has warned that the new EU border checks could create queues lasting up to 12 hours at Kent's borders without intervention. The MP has raised concerns that such long waits could pose safety risks to travellers, including the potential for medical emergencies, and is calling on the EU to suspend or modify the new procedures before they are fully implemented.