British holidaymakers may have to pay for European visas, Amber Rudd says

EU law expert Camino Mortera-Martinez, from the Centre for European Reform, told the Guardian: “In theory United Kingdom citizens, as third-country nationals, would certainly be subject to the obligations [of such a scheme]”.

Both France and Germany are said to back a system based on the American ESTA scheme, whereby people from countries not requiring full visas must apply online for permission to travel, at a cost of $10.

“The reality is this is a two way street, this is not about one issue, it’s about a range of things”. “I can’t tell you how that will be implemented, but I can tell you that’s the guiding principle”.

In today’s interview, Ms Rudd said she now accepted the target to get net annual immigration down to “the tens of thousands”, having initially cast doubt on it.

With May ruling out a points-style system last week, Rudd was asked if there would be some sort of work permit scheme for European Union arrivals.

However, she suggested a work permit system is being considered. Theresa May is the driver. “Theresa May is the driver, and the rest of us are in the auto”.

Britain’s yawning trade gap narrowed in July thanks to a post-Brexit vote boost to exports.

She said: “We are looking at a number of options but students do make an important contribution”.

“She is very clear that we are all focused in the same direction and we are all going to deliver on what she has asked us to do”.

Andy Burnham, shadow home secretary, hit out at the idea of Britons facing a visa system to visit European Union countries.

“The Home Secretary’s words will not have reassured ordinary families about the cost of Brexit”.

The potential charge was labelled a “holiday tax” by Labour.

Shadow Home Secretary Andy Burnham claimed that the fees would add further pressures on the purse strings of cash-strapped families attempting to go on holiday.

Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron told Sky News: “The British Government need to stop with the empty mantras and get into the detail of arrangements which will affect the holiday and work plans of millions of British people”.