Question to the Home Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what progress they have made since the UK–France Joint Leaders' Declaration on 10 March 2023 regarding the simplification of travel arrangements for French schoolchildren visiting the UK.

UK Border Force was not involved in the decision to refuse boarding to this group and is in touch with the relevant carrier about this case and who did not grant them permission to travel.

Anyone wishing to travel to the UK on an ID card must submit accurate information in advance for approval and present the same identity documentation on the day to comply with UK immigration checks, and to ensure the safeguarding of children

The UK will continue to work with partners in the UK and France to ensure this process is fully understood, and that travel between our countries for school groups can be as smooth as possible.

In addition, the government agreed that children aged 18 and under travelling as part of a French school group will be temporarily exempted from the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirement until a group solution is developed. This will allow EU, EEA and Swiss children to continue to use their identity cards on organised French school trips to the UK as long as they meet the requirements of the Immigration Rules.