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<h1>UK Government Negotiates EU Airport E-Gate Access for Passport Holders</h1>
<p>The UK government is actively pursuing an agreement that would permit British passport holders to utilize EU airport e-gates, according to a government minister.</p>
<p>Nick Thomas-Symonds mentioned that talks are in their "final hours" in anticipation of a UK-EU summit in London, emphasizing that minimizing border delays is a "very sensible goal."</p>
<p>When questioned about whether the UK might have to adhere to more EU regulations as part of any arrangement, the Minister for European Relations highlighted that it would involve making a sovereign decision regarding "the common standards for alignment."</p>
<p>Conservative MP Alex Burghart expressed concerns that the negotiations could turn the UK into a "rule taker," a situation that many had hoped to avoid when leaving the EU.</p>
<h2>Significant UK-EU Summit Approaches</h2>
<p>The first bilateral summit between the UK and the EU post-Brexit is set to take place on Monday, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer calling it a "very significant moment." An agreement is expected as he meets with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa.</p>
<p>Proposed announcements may revolve around trade, security, and potentially British access to a substantial €150 billion (£125 billion) EU defense fund, which could benefit UK defense companies.</p>
<h2>Focus on Reducing Bureaucracy</h2>
<p>Reports suggest that additional agreements could simplify processes for British travelers using e-gates at European airports, ease food export and import regulations, and create a youth mobility scheme between the UK and the EU. Thomas-Symonds, leading the discussions, stated his priority is "ruthless pragmatism" with a focus on enhancing jobs, lowering living costs, and fortifying borders.</p>
<p>He also mentioned that the government would review contributions to EU projects individually, evaluating each on its own merits. When asked about his confidence in securing e-gate access for British travelers, Thomas-Symonds replied affirmatively, highlighting the importance of reduced queuing times for travelers.</p>
<h2>Concerns Over Regulatory Alignment</h2>
<p>Burghart reiterated his concerns over the potential for the government to align with EU standards, which he believes would result in the UK becoming a "rule taker." He emphasized that "dynamic alignment" remains a possibility, wherein the UK and EU would keep regulatory standards consistent without the UK having direct involvement in future decisions.</p>
<p>He asserted that if this occurs, it would compromise Britain's sovereignty. On discussions regarding young people's mobility between the UK and EU, Thomas-Symonds maintained that they are working towards a "smart and controlled scheme," firmly stating that it would not equate to freedom of movement, a key sticking point for the government.</p>
<h2>Opposition Views on EU Relations</h2>
<p>Liberal Democrat MP Calum Miller expressed his disappointment with the government's approach, urging a more ambitious stance on EU relations. He argued that pursuing a customs union could offer stability for British businesses and potentially unlock significant economic benefits.</p>
<p>On the other hand, Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, warned that any deal containing a youth mobility scheme or expanded fishing rights for the EU would be perceived as a betrayal of Brexit. He argued that agreements leading to "free movement of people under 30" would favor inbound migration to the UK.</p>
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