The Home Office has activated an emergency border exercise, signalling growing concern over the European Union’s forthcoming Entry/Exit System (EES). The drill, which began this morning at key ports including Dover and St Pancras, aims to test contingency plans for what officials describe as the most significant change to EU border management in a decade. The EES, due to launch in October, will require non-EU travellers, including British citizens, to register biometric data on entry and exit.
The system is expected to cause substantial delays, with some estimates suggesting queuing times could increase by up to 50 per cent during peak periods. The Home Office’s exercise, dubbed Operation Rampart, involves simulated passenger flows and the deployment of additional Border Force staff. A Home Office spokesperson said the drill was necessary to ensure operational readiness and to identify potential bottlenecks.
Critics argue that the government’s response has been reactive rather than proactive, failing to secure mitigations through diplomatic channels. The EU has defended the EES as a critical tool for enhancing security and managing migration, noting that the UK was consulted during its development. The travel industry has warned of disruption to the summer season, with airlines and ferry operators bracing for long waits.
The drill is expected to run for three days, with a full report to be submitted to the Home Secretary by the end of the month.
