THERESA May failing to secure a deal with the EU could lead to Scottish travellers being stopped from entering EU countries, the Scottish Government has warned.
It comes as more details of no-deal Brexit planning were revealed in technical notes published by Whitehall yesterday.
If there is no deal, and no transition, then holidaymakers will likely be treated in the same way as those from non-EU countries.
That means those travelling on passports with less than six months left could be knocked back at the border.
Scottish Brexit Secretary Michael Russell said it was another reason why a no deal Brexit should be “unthinkable”.
“The high price Scottish consumers and businesses will have to pay for Brexit becomes clearer with every passing day,” he said.
“Although the Scottish Government is doing everything within its power to protect Scotland as best we can, these technical notices make plain the crippling costs and needless red tape that a ‘no deal’ scenario will bring.
“The fact that we are now seriously having to contemplate the possibility of Scottish and other UK travellers – including hardworking families looking forward to a relaxing holiday and business travellers – being turned away at the border of EU countries is appalling.
“These technical notices lay bare the confusion that is likely to result from a no-deal Brexit, and expose the irresponsible approach of the UK Government.”
Russell added: “Time is running out for the UK Government to do the right thing which, short of staying in the EU, is remaining part of the single market and customs union. That is what will protect our economy, jobs and living standards.
“A no-deal Brexit should be unthinkable, which is why it should be ruled out, if necessary by extending the Article 50 process.”
Earlier this month, the UK Government changed the rules around renewing passports.
Previously, you could renew your passport up to nine months before it expired. Those nine months would then be added to your new passport.
However, new passports will now only be issued for 10 years from the date of application.
Travellers waiting to the last minute to get full value from their £85 fee could now fall foul of the six-month validity rule that many countries operate.
The no-deal paper also reveals that the post-Brexit blue passports may start going out to British citizens by the end of 2019.
Passports printed between March 30, 2019, up until the introduction of the new passport design, will be burgundy but will not include the words “European Union” on the front cover.
Blue passports will start being issued from late 2019.
If you renew your passport between late 2019 and early 2020, you’ll be automatically issued with either a blue or burgundy British passport.
Other details in the no-deal technical notice warned that British drivers may now have to obtain one of two different types of International Driving Permit to drive in the EU.
Meanwhile, Theresa May has been urged to appear before MPs to concede her Chequers plan is “dead”, amid fresh warnings it has no chance of securing approval from the Commons.
Speaking in the Commons yesterday, SNP MP Pete Wishart demanded a statement from the Prime Minister.
“I think most of us think it’s unbelievable we’ve got to this place, not by design, but almost by typical Tory cluelessness.
“But wouldn’t it be a good idea now, and wouldn’t it be in this Government’s interest, for this Prime Minister to simply come to this House and make a statement and concede the Chequers plans are dead?”
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