Travel news: Go on holiday to Portugal to avoid Dover queues, says Jacob Rees-Mogg

Talking forward of one other weekend of journey disruption, the minister for Brexit alternatives mentioned the UK’s exit from the EU had nothing to do with the lengthy tailbacks on the Kent port.

As a substitute, Mr Rees-Mogg claimed the French authorities has not adequately manned the passport cubicles with a purpose to scale back the disruption.

He mentioned: “If the French resolve to not present the immigration officers which might be wanted, then there will probably be queues. However this was a call of the French.”

The minister additionally praised Portugal for permitting British vacationers to make use of e-gates to enter the nation, including: “I imply, it’s price noting that the Portuguese have allowed the British to make use of e-gates to get into Portugal.

“So it could be that folks will discover it’s simpler to go on vacation in Portugal.”

This comes because the AA has issued an amber site visitors warning for heavy congestion resulting from a mix of the varsity summer time holidays in England and Wales, a rail strike, the Commonwealth Video games in Birmingham, and the beginning of the soccer season.

The Dover port expects to welcome round 140,000 passengers, 45,000 automobiles and 18,000 freight automobiles between Thursday and Sunday.

Port of Dover chief government Doug Bannister mentioned on Thursday that French border controls will probably be “totally resourced”, which can make a “basic distinction”.

Though there have been some employees shortages beforehand, Mr Bannister claimed that Brexit is a significant component within the delays because of the want for passports to be checked and stamped.

French MP Pierre-Henri Dumont additionally added: “Two years in the past the Tory British authorities determined to not give cash to the Port of Dover to extend the variety of kiosks there for French police.

“Due to Brexit we have to have extra checks on passports, so that is what your future will appear like for years to come back when you take no motion.”