Prime Minister Keir Starmer has signed a £5.2bn trade deal with Switzerland that will allow British nationals to use e-gates at Swiss airports and scrap roaming charges, in what is described as likely his last major international agreement as prime minister.
Key facts
- The deal is expected to increase UK exports by £5.2bn annually 'in the long run', according to the BBC.
- British nationals will be able to use e-gates at Swiss airports from later this year.
- E-gate access starts with exit checks at Zurich airport, with Basel and Geneva to follow next year.
- Roaming charges will be scrapped under the agreement.
- Trading terms continue for medicines, cars, art, jewellery and other goods.
British travellers can expect shorter passport queues at Swiss airports and border crossings after Prime Minister Keir Starmer sealed a £5.2bn trade deal with Switzerland, according to the Guardian.
As part of the agreement, British nationals will be able to use e-gates from later this year. The rollout will begin with exit checks at Zurich airport, followed by Basel and Geneva next year. The Guardian noted that Geneva is a leading airport for business and winter sports travel.
The deal also scraps roaming charges and maintains trading terms for a range of goods, including medicines, cars, art and jewellery, the Guardian reported.
The BBC reported that the UK has signed a new services deal with Switzerland which it says will increase exports by £5.2bn annually ‘in the long run’.
According to the Guardian, the agreement is likely to be Starmer’s last big international agreement as prime minister.
Why it matters
The deal promises smoother travel and lower phone costs for Britons visiting Switzerland, while aiming to significantly boost UK exports over time. It also carries political weight as what is reported to be Starmer's final major international agreement as prime minister.
Frequently asked questions
When can Britons start using e-gates in Switzerland?
According to the Guardian, British nationals will be able to use e-gates from later this year, starting with exit checks at Zurich airport, with Basel and Geneva to follow next year.
How much is the trade deal expected to be worth?
The BBC reported that the UK says the deal will increase exports by £5.2bn annually 'in the long run'.
What else does the deal cover besides e-gates?
The Guardian reported that roaming charges will be scrapped and that trading terms continue for medicines, cars, art, jewellery and other goods.