The EU's Entry-Exit System (EES), introduced to modernise border security, requires travellers from outside the bloc to register biometric data, including fingerprints and facial images, when entering most Schengen countries. The information is then verified when they leave.

However, several airports say the system is creating lengthy delays, particularly during peak travel periods.

Berlin Airport chief executive Aletta von Massenbach said some non-EU passengers arriving at the airport are waiting between one and two hours at passport control, particularly at terminals used by Ryanair and Wizz Air.

She said the current system is too complex, with individual EU member states using different technologies, making border processing less efficient.

"The situation is not bearable over the summer," von Massenbach warned, adding that airport operators had raised the issue during high-level discussions in Brussels.

The concerns extend beyond Germany. At the Port of Dover, where French border checks are carried out before travellers cross the Channel, technology problems have delayed the rollout of EES.

Although a new processing area equipped with 84 biometric kiosks has been installed, the equipment has yet to become operational because the necessary French border technology has not been activated.

Port of Dover chief executive Doug Bannister told UK lawmakers that time was running out before the peak holiday season and warned that delays could become a major issue if the problems are not resolved quickly.

Passengers have also reported significant disruption.

One British traveller, Anne Robinson, said she and her 13-year-old son missed their return flight from Rome after spending around 90 minutes waiting to complete EES procedures. She said many of the biometric machines at the airport were out of service, forcing travellers into long queues.

The family eventually had to purchase new flights two days later at a cost of £250, an expense that was not covered by their travel insurance.

Airline industry groups, including Airlines UK and Airlines for America, have criticised the uneven implementation of the system and called on the European Commission and member states to introduce contingency measures while technical issues are addressed.

Jet2 chief executive Steve Heapy also questioned the continued rollout of the system where infrastructure remains incomplete, saying temporary flexibility would provide a much better experience for holidaymakers.

Airport industry body ACI Europe has written to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, warning that border waiting times have reached as much as five hours at some airports during busy periods and could worsen as summer travel demand increases.

The European Commission acknowledged that challenges remain but said efforts are continuing to minimise disruption for travellers. It added that, in most airports, the impact has been limited and noted that delays are often linked to shortages of border officers, infrastructure and automated equipment provided by individual member states.

Lammy highlighted the huge contribution of Britain’s diverse diaspora communities, through business, culture, art, food and music, social action and community engagement, fighting prejudice and championing a modern Britain. 

Lammy, who represents Tottenham, labelled "the most diverse constituency in the world", is of Guyanese heritage and retains close links to the country and to family living there. He pointed every part of Britain has been enriched by the contribution of diverse communities. Also the huge financial contribution made by diaspora communities through remittances. Remittance payments are international transfers sent from households in the UK, typically to support friends and families overseas. They are a key issue for many diaspora communities living in the UK. 

The World Bank has estimated the value of these payments from the UK at $10.7 billion (£8.24 billion) in 2022. Yet hidden fees, estimated to cost nearly half a billion pounds
 a year, are putting additional pressure on families in the UK already struggling with the cost of living crisis. 

The reception, attended by senior members of the Shadow Cabinet including David Lammy, Anneliese Dodds, Thangam Debbonaire, Jonathan Ashworth, Jonathan Reynolds and Pat McFadden. 

David Lammy MP, Labour’s Shadow Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, said: 

"Labour is proud of Britain’s diversity and it’s something we celebrate. Our communities are global bonds and bridges to every continent. It is a great strength not a weakness.
 Every part of Britain has been enriched by the contribution of diverse communities. 

"Unlike the Tories who seek to pit communities against each other in divisive culture wars, the next Labour government will value the enormous contribution of Britain’s diverse communities both at home and abroad. 　 

"The positive impact of diaspora communities to fighting poverty and inequality through remittance payments is too often overlooked. Costly hidden fees on these payments put
 financial pressure on families in Britain already struggling to make ends meet in the Conservative cost of living crisis." 　 

"In government, Labour will set the goal of reducing the obstacles and costs to cross border payments, keeping money in the pockets of Britain’s communities and allowing them to build on their contribution to Britain’s impact in the world." 

　              
Remittances are transfers from residents in one country to residents in another, typically a transfer of earnings sent in cash or goods to support families back home. They have been growing significantly in recent years and represent a key source of foreign income for many developing countries. 

                 
Reducing transfer costs on remittances to 3% globally was one of the UN Sustainable Development Goals the UK and 190 UN member states signed up to in 2015. International payments involving foreign exchange rates can be expensive, with many involving costly hidden fees, averaging at 5-6% in the UK. 

                   
According to the World Bank, remittance flows from the UK reached $10.7 billion (£8.24 billion) in 2022 alone. If the UK had met the 3% SDG target
an estimated $304m (£234m) in transfer fees could have been saved. 

                 
Evidence suggests that remittance flows are more stable than foreign direct investment (FDI) and are typically countercyclical, with migrant and diaspora communities sending more money to families abroad when things are tough at home. New research from QMUL  showed a marked increase in the number of UK Indian, Somali and Brazilian families sending money home between 2019 and 2020, when the pandemic began. The average remittance was just under £2,000. 

               
In 2020, remittance payments were estimated to account for more than 5 percent of GDP in 60 developing countries. In many countries, remittances surpass international aid in volume.  

                   
Labour’s foreign and international development team has been consulting with stakeholders including MTOs, academics, the regulator and civil society  about how the next government could help reduce costs. 

Water Scarcity

Many regions around the world face water scarcity where the demand for water exceeds the available supply.This scarcity can be due to factors such as population growth, urbanization, climate change and inefficient water usage.It can lead to competition for water resources, affecting agriculture, livelihoods and overall economic development.

Water Pollution

Water pollution caused by industrial waste, agricultural runoff and inadequate sanitation practices poses a significant threat to water quality. Contaminated water sources can have detrimental effects on human health, ecosystems and biodiversity. Addressing water pollution requires robust environmental regulations improved waste management practices, and sustainable agricultural techniques.

Access to Clean Water

The lack of access to clean and safe drinking water affects millions of people worldwide particularly in developing regions. Limited access to clean water contributes to poor sanitation and hygiene leading to the spread of waterborne diseases. It is crucial to improve infrastructure  promote sustainable water management and ensure equitable access to clean water for all.

Sustainable Water Management

Achieving sustainable water management involves balancing water use for different sectors while ensuring long term availability and preserving ecosystems. It requires efficient irrigation techniques, water conservation measures, watershed management and collaborative efforts among governments, communities and organizations.

Overall

Addressing the world water problem requires a comprehensive approach that combines conservation efficient use of water resources pollution control infrastructure development and equitable access to clean water. It also necessitates global cooperation and awareness to protect and preserve this vital resource for future generations.

How about water wars

The concept of water wars refers to the potential for conflicts to arise over access to water resources. While water scarcity and competition for water can certainly be sources of tension.It is important to note that most experts consider the likelihood of large scale wars solely over water to be low.Here are a few reasons why the notion of water wars is often considered unlikely

International Cooperation

Many countries recognize the importance of shared water resources and have established agreements treaties and organizations to manage them collaboratively. Diplomatic efforts and legal frameworks are often employed to prevent conflicts and promote cooperation in water management.

Transboundary Water Management

The majority of freshwater resources such as rivers and lakes are shared across borders. This interdependence fosters a mutual interest in maintaining stability and peaceful relations. International laws and institutions provide mechanisms for resolving disputes and managing shared water resources.

Conflict Resolution

Historically conflicts related to water have been resolved through negotiation, diplomacy and legal means rather than through violent means. Bilateral or multilateral agreements can help allocate water resources fairly and address the concerns of different parties.

Water Management Strategies

Effective water management strategies such as water conservation efficiency measures and sustainable practices can mitigate water scarcity and reduce the potential for conflicts. Investing in water infrastructure technology and governance systems can help ensure equitable access to water resources and minimize the risk of disputes.While localized conflicts and tensions over water resources do occur they are more likely to be driven by political, social or economic factors exacerbated by water scarcity rather than water scarcity alone being the sole cause of conflict.

It is important to continue promoting international cooperation sustainable water management and equitable access to water resources to minimize the risk of conflicts and address the challenges posed by water scarcity.