The Lords' justice and home affairs committee told Priti Patel that European border systems may have "serious consequences for the rights and liberties" of Britons. The European Travel Information and Authorisation System requires most travellers to obtain travel authorisation to enter the EU area, while the Entry/Exit System (EES) will oblige them to share their facial image and fingerprints with European authorities - and to have them checked every time they journey to or from the bloc.

       Bosses from the Port of Dover, Eurotunnel and Eurostar raised their fears about the two systems at a hearing of the committee.

       Peers told the Home Secretary: "There are serious logistical challenges that can only be solved by targeted interventions by the Government."

       They said EES checks "are likely to cause sustained delays and disruption, both for travellers and communities in Kent".