Lord Harris of Haringey – 2016 Parliamentary Question to the Home Office
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Lord Harris of Haringey on 2016-10-19.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of (1) the EU Commission proposal to introduce a European electronic system for travel authorisation (ESTA), and (2) the implications of the introduction of a European ESTA for UK citizens and businesses following the UK’s departure from the EU; and what representations they have made to the Commission and to EU member states regarding that proposal.
Baroness Williams of Trafford
The UK welcomes proposals to increase scrutiny of, and further secure, the EU’s external Schengen border. A brief update on the Commission’s plans to publish draft legislation for an Electronic Travel Information and Authorisation System was provided at the Justice and Home Affairs Council on 13 October, which was attended by the Home Secretary. We will examine the proposals in more detail once publication has taken place. The status of UK citizens under any such system will depend upon the nature of the detailed proposals and the outcome of the UK’s negotiations to exit the EU.
