New agreement needed with EU for visa-free travel for Britons, says UK MP
EU citizens may visit UK for up to six months without a visa, whereas Britons are subject to the standard Schengen area limit of 90 days in any 180-day period.
Liberal Democrat MP for North East Fife Wendy Chamberlain is calling on the UK government to negotiate a new deal when it comes to EU visits for Britons
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The Liberal Democrats in the UK are supportive of calls for easier EU visits for Britons, The Connexion has been told.
Following a recent question she asked to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on the topic, we asked Liberal Democrat MP for North East Fife Wendy Chamberlain why she considers the current 90/180 days limit to be a problem and what solutions could be found.
It comes as members of the France Visa Free Facebook group have been calling for the UK to negotiate special arrangements for Britons, as they are dissatisfied with the unequal rules since Brexit: EU citizens may, under UK immigration law, visit for up to six months without a visa, whereas Britons are subject to the standard ‘third-country citizen’ Schengen area limit of 90 days in any 180-day period.
Read more: New UK-EU deal: What could change for Britons in France?
Ms Chamberlain said: “The 90-day limit on stays in Europe is increasingly disruptive for families and businesses across the UK.
“Whether it’s grandparents who can’t spend extended time with loved ones abroad, or small businesses facing unnecessary travel restrictions, people are being let down by a Brexit deal that simply doesn’t work and has left people facing barriers to living, working, and travelling in Europe.
“The Liberal Democrats are calling for a new, practical agreement with the EU to extend visa-free travel and ease restrictions. We need a solution that supports the needs of our community, protects livelihoods, and reconnects us with our European neighbours.”
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In May she stated in parliament she had a constituent with an agricultural consultancy requiring frequent EU visits, and he is being “hampered” by the rule, and she asked if the prime minister would look at negotiating a change.
“We are looking at a range of issues and I completely understand the frustration that causes for her constituents and for people across the country,” said Sir Keir.
However, when we asked the Cabinet Office if the UK is seeking flexibility on the 90/180 days rule, a spokeswoman stated there was “nothing at this point in time”.
However, she pointed to the UK’s wish to create a new scheme [a new kind of visa] allowing young people from the UK and EU to spend periods in each other’s countries more easily.
