Freddie van Mierlo urges change after airport delay

Freddie van Mierlo, MP for Henley and Thame, raised concerns in a letter to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, highlighting delays at UK border control for families with young children – an issue he experienced personally during a recent return from holiday.

He said this process took 30 more minutes than for those able to use eGates.

Mr van Mierlo said: “It is unfair that families with young children have faced longer waits than single adults and couples this summer on return from holiday.

“How can it be that the longest line for UK citizens entering the UK is for young children, toddlers, and babies when they require much more attention and care?”

Under current rules, only those aged over 18 can use eGates unaccompanied, while children aged eight to 17 must be with an adult.

Those aged seven and younger are not eligible.

He said: “On return from holiday I noticed that only two guards were processing arrivals for families, with many more positions empty.

“In contrast, there were not one, but two guards standing ready to aid people passing through eGates.”

He has called on the Home Office to reconsider staffing allocations and improve the experience for families, especially those travelling through Heathrow and other major UK airports.

Mr van Mierlo added: “I hope to see concrete change in the coming weeks to cope with the summer holidays.”