The EU’s new Entry and Exit System (EES) was first introduced in October last year, before the rollout ramped up on April 10.
The new system requires British travellers, and other non-EU visitors, to provide biometric data, including fingerprints and facial scans, when entering the Schengen Area.
The new EES has received significant backlash since its introduction, with it causing long waits for passengers at airports.
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Major airlines, including Jet2 and Ryanair, have called for the rollout of the new system to be suspended until after the summer to allow for a “smoother airport experience” during peak travel season.
CEO of Ryanair’s Malta subsidiary, Malta Air, David O’Brien, even threatened to pull all flights to Malta due to the extended wait times caused by the EES at airports.
A fresh warning of more six-hour waits has now been issued for several major European airports.
Brits warned of 6-hour airport queues – see the holiday hotpots affected
Airline industry leaders have warned that the new EES checks could dramatically increase processing times at passport control.
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Vice-president for Europe at IATA, Rafael Schvartzman, said the system increases passenger processing times from around 20-25 seconds to as much as 90 seconds per traveller, creating a “hard risk” of lengthy queues and missed flights, The Times reported.
Mr Schvartzman told IATA’s annual meeting that places were implementing the system differently, some did not have the required technology or infrastructure, and kiosks were understaffed.
He added: “What we are seeing is a very hard risk of really challenging times or waiting times, talking about expectations of three, four, five, six hours, which is unacceptable.
“We know for a fact there are many cases where people have lost flights or their connectivity.”
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The worst-affected holiday hotspots are:
Lisbon
Lanzarote
Alicante
Mallorca (Majorca)
How long are EES delays at airports expected to continue?
Deputy executive director of EU border agency Frontex, Uku Sarekanno, said some member states are “struggling” to adopt the EES, and it could take up to two years for things to “stabilise”.
Addressing a summit of travel industry leaders organised by Abta in Westminster, Mr Sarekanno said: “We expect that the situation will stabilise in one or two years.
“The most challenging part is the first enrolment, that is the moment where fingerprints and facial images will be taken.
“If a person is visiting the EU again (within three years), they don’t have to go through the same process, so they can have a more fast track of entry.”
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He continued: “Member states are still adjusting to the new reality.
“There are ones which are managing it rather well, who have dedicated resources.
“There are the others who are still struggling.
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“This adjustment… is taking some time and effort.”
Chief executive of industry body Airlines UK, added: “If the EU’s own expectation is that queues will last up to two years, that’s not a teething problem – that’s a serious policy failure.
“Member states must make use of the flexibilities available to them, right now, to protect airline passengers this summer and beyond.”
EU rules currently allow the checks to be temporarily halted to avoid queues at peak periods but that is not always happening.
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EES is not the only travel change Brits need to worry about in 2026
Britons have also been warned to prepare for the introduction of the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS), expected to launch later in 2026.
Under the scheme, visa-exempt travellers, including UK passport holders, will need permission to enter 30 European countries for short stays.
Applications will cost €20, although under-18s and over-70s will be exempt from the fee.
Have you used the new EU’s new entry/exit system yet? Let us know about your experience in the poll above or in the comments below.
Emergency services are responding to an incident on a busy road in Salford.
Part of Cleggs Lane in Little Hulton has been cordoned off by police this morning (Tuesday, July 28). A large emergency response on the scene including a number of ambulance and police vehicles.
The cordon is in place near the road’s junction with Eastham Way. The nature of the incident has not yet been confirmed.
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The M.E.N has contacted Greater Manchester Police for further details.
Follow our live blog below for the latest updates on this incident.
A new study by immigration law experts Reiss Edwards has revealed where people across UK cities dream of relocating, based on search data. An analysis of Google Ads search volume data across 71 UK cities found that Australia is the most-searched emigration destination. Residents in Portsmouth are most interested in moving to Australia, with the country attracting 347 average monthly searches over the past year. New Zealand ranked second with 161 searches, followed by Canada with 119, giving the city’s three most popular destinations a combined total of 627 searches. Australia proved to be the clear favourite, generating more than twice as many searches as New Zealand at 2.16 times and almost three times as many as Canada at 2.92 times, reinforcing its position as Portsmouth’s top dream destination for relocating abroad.
The bodies of a 36-year-old woman and a 43-year-old man were discovered near Corsliehill Road in Houston after emergency services were called to reports of concern for a person.
Police have launched a probe after a man and a woman were found dead in Renfrewshire.
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Emergency services were called to Corsliehill Road in Houston, Johnstone on Monday morning, July 27, following reports of a concern for a person.
Officers attended the scene, where the bodies of a 36-year-old woman and a 43-year-old man were found nearby.
Police Scotland said the deaths are currently being treated as unexplained. A post-mortem will be carried out to establish the exact cause of death.
Extensive enquiries remain ongoing as detectives work to piece together the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
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However, officers said there is nothing at this stage to suggest anyone else was involved.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “An investigation is ongoing into the deaths of a 36-year-old woman and a 43-year-old man in the Houston area.
“On Monday, 27 July, 2026, we received a report of concern for a person in Corsliehill Road. Emergency services attended, and the body of a man and a woman were found nearby.
“The deaths are being treated as unexplained and post mortem examinations will be carried out in due course.
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“Extensive enquiries are continuing to establish the full circumstances. At this time, there is nothing to suggest anyone else has been involved.
“Their relatives are aware and are being supported by specialist officers.”
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Kelly made a rapid start at Arsenal in the second half of the 2024-25 season, scoring twice and providing five assists, and helping the club win a second Women’s Champions League title.
She then played an instrumental role in England retaining the European Championships that summer, including scoring the title-winning penalty against Spain in the shootout.
Last season however, was less successful. Hampered by injury, she only started four times in the Women’s Super League – so is itching to get going in the new campaign, which kicks off on Friday, 4 September.
“I had big goals to do amazing things at Arsenal in my first full season and I was a little disappointed I wasn’t able to,” she says.
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“I think I needed this summer to work on myself physically, balancing working in the gym, on the pitch and getting downtime.
“I am in a really good place at the moment. My main goal is to stay fit and fresh all season and be ready when called upon.”
And despite the added allure of a World Cup in Brazil next summer should England navigate the play-offs this autumn, Kelly is keeping her focus on the short term.
“My goals and assists are really important so I’ll make sure I’m right at it,” she adds. “For me, I’ll think about [the World Cup] closer to the time.”
Whether you’re embarking on a city break in Lisbon, a long weekend in Barcelona or a week’s sojourn in Sicily, ensuring you’ve got the right size hand luggage for the airline you’re flying with is part and parcel of planning any trip. If it’s Easyjet your flying, here’s everything to know about its luggage allowance.
The carrier sits in the middle of UK airlines: every standard ticket includes one small under-seat bag up to 45cm x 36cm x 20cm (including handles and wheels). If your luggage exceeds this or you bring an extra unbooked item, you will face a hefty £48 gate fine. For travellers who struggle to pack light, upgrading to an extra cabin bag allowance grants you a larger 56cm x 45cm x 25cm overhead case, which is significantly cheaper to book online than at the airport terminal.
Citing overstuffed bins, safety concerns for air stewards and slow boarding times, airlines have been slowly clamping down on carry-on restrictions. RyanAir’s allowance is the most stringent at 40 x 30 x 20cm, while British Airways is the most generous, offering economy flyers one larger cabin bag and one smaller bag (40cm x 30cm x 15 cm).
When choosing compliant baggage, premium holdalls and sleek rucksacks from Away and Antler offer excellent durability. Meanwhile, affordable cabin backpacks from Amazon and Primark frequently go viral for maximising every millimeter of packing space. The IndyBest travel team has flown globally with the market’s best hand luggage to discover which options slip seamlessly through airport checks. Read on for our ultimate guide to the best EasyJet-approved cabin bags for your next holiday.
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What is EasyJet’s hand luggage allowance?
EasyJet allows one bag per economy flyer, measuring 45 x 36 x 20 cm (including any handles and wheels). It can weigh up to 15kg, and must be kept under the seat in front of you. You can also bring a large cabin bag – 56 cm x 45 cm x 25 cm – on board at an extra cost. Every customer who books a large cabin bag can also enjoy the benefit of Speedy Boarding. If your hand luggage is too large or you bring an extra bag without paying, you’ll recieve a £48 fine at the gate.
The best EasyJet hand luggage bag
Antler cabin suitcase
Our best cabin bag overall hails from Antler and it’s compliant with all airlines, including EasyJet.
“The outer shell feels very sturdy and resistant,” said travel expert Alessia Armenise.“The wheels glide without an issue on any surface, and while the handle might not feel as stable as that of more expensive options, it is comfortable to grab and never gets stuck.”
At £185, it’s not the cheapest out there but it comes with a lifetime guarantee and our travel expert says “this is a great staple to have in your travel arsenal.”
Benjamin Netanyahu and Volodymyr Zelensky to attend ceremony
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky are expected to attend Tuesday’s funeral service in Washington.
Graham emerged as a pivotal ally on Capitol Hill for both leaders, consistently urging the Trump administration to take a more aggressive stance against Iran and to bolster support for Ukraine in its war with Russia.
“Israel has lost one of its greatest friends,” Netanyahu said following Graham’s sudden death earlier this month. “America has lost a great patriot. I have lost a beloved friend.”
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“Lindsey was a true defender of freedom and the values that make our world safer,” Zelensky wrote in his own statement. “We remained in constant dialogue, and I will miss our conversations.”
Graham and Netanyahu with the late Arizona Republican Sen. John McCain in Jerusalem on June 30, 2013 (Getty)
Joe Sommerlad28 July 2026 09:00
Full schedule for Graham’s funeral services
Funeral services for Lindsey Graham will take place over the next two days in Washington, D.C., and South Carolina.
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The schedule is as follows:
Tuesday: The body of the 71-year-old senator will be brought to the Rotunda of the U.S. Capitol, where a brief private ceremony will honor his more than two decades of service in the Senate. The ceremony will be livestreamed.
Tuesday at 2 p.m.: A funeral service will be held at Washington National Cathedral. President Donald Trump is among those scheduled to speak, and multiple world leaders are expected to attend. The service will again be livestreamed.
Tuesday evening: Graham’s remains will be transported to South Carolina.
Wednesday at 10:45 a.m.: Services will begin with a final visit to the South Carolina State House, including a procession featuring an F-16 flyover.
Wednesday at 12 p.m.: A funeral service will be held at First Baptist Church of Columbia.
Wednesday: A private family burial in Pickens County, South Carolina, will follow the service.
Joe Sommerlad28 July 2026 08:35
U.S. politicians and world leaders to pay tribute to Lindsey Graham
Sen. Lindsey Graham will be eulogized Tuesday during memorial services across Washington.
The long-serving politician passed away unexpectedly earlier this month at the age of 71.
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Graham’s remains will arrive at the U.S. Capitol, where the Republican worked for more than 20 years, later today.
A funeral service will then be held at Washington National Cathedral with lawmakers and foreign leaders, a testament to his stature on the global stage.
President Donald Trump is expected to deliver remarks at the cathedral, alongside Fox News’ Sean Hannity and other conservative leaders.
Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky are planning to be in attendance.
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Lindsey Graham passed away unexpectedly earlier this month (AFP/Getty)
There will also be an Absolutely Fabulous drag night and a celebration of Disney+ show Rivals
A popular Manchester festival will return this summer with its biggest line-up ever, opening with a special Traitors-themed party and celebration.
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SCENE has been described as Manchester’s only LGBTQ+ film and TV festival since it was first held in 2024. Now in its third outing, this year’s event will feature a series of premieres, screenings, Q&A panels, events, parties and more across eight days from August 20 to 27.
A special panel discussion honouring hit BBC series The Traitors, moderated by TV critic and author Scott Bryan, will officially kick the festival off and will feature the likes of Maddy and Wilf from series 1 and Amanda from series 4, as well as more guests to be confirmed. It will be proceeded by a Traitors-style opening party with themed cocktails and more.
Click here for the latest on Manchester’s food & drink scene, gigs and more in our CityLife newsletter
The festival, which is an official Manchester Village Pride fringe partner, will also feature a special fifth anniversary screening and panel discussion of Russell T Davies’ critically-acclaimed series It’s A Sin. It will also feature a preview of the upcoming ballet adaptation of the show, which will receive its world debut at Aviva Studios next year.
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TV creator Davies, alongside executive producer Nicola Shindler, will also appear at the event to recognise the significant impact of this year’s gripping Channel 4 series Tip Toe, which starred Alan Cumming and David Morrissey as feuding neighbours in a socially-charged climate.
There will also be an intimate in-conversation event with Heartstopper creator Alice Oseman, reflecting on the impact the book series has had around the world as well as with its Netflix series, which has just concluded with a feature-length film.
Other highlights include a drag-inspired celebration of Absolutely Fabulous starring Manchester stars Anna Phylactic and Banksie, a tribute night to comedy icon Caroline Aherne, and a 25th anniversary of acclaimed stage show Hedwig and the Angry Inch. Events will take place at HOME, New Century Hall, Cultplex, Kampus, Treehouse Hotel, Aviva Studios, Vada Vada, Cruz 101 and more.
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SCENE will also feature an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at Disney+’s hit series Rivals with cast members Gary Lamont and Hubert Burton alongside executive producer Alexander Lamb, as well as a return of Channel 4’s An Altogether Different Comedy Night which will feature a special line-up of stars.
The festival will also feature a celebration of BBC’s ground-breaking dating shows I Kissed A Boy and I Kissed A Girl, hosted by Charley Marlowe, which will feature appearances from stars from both series as they reflect on its significance on LGBTQ+ visibility on screen.
Over the eight days, SCENE will also feature a number of film premieres, including Pedro Almodóvar’s Bitter Christmas, Jane Schoenbrun’s Cannes Queer Palm-winning Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma, Neil Ely and Lloyd Eyre-Morgan’s Chatlines, and a special screening of Adam Shankman’s wildly-anticipated drag comedy Stop! That! Train! starring RuPaul and a host of famous drag queens.
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In addition, the festival line-up also includes a St Trinian’s party screening, live podcasts, a free outdoor photography exhibition at Kampus, and a free outdoor cinema at First Street, as well as a showcase of documentaries, shorts and productions highlighting new voices.
Tickets start from £5 with many of the events free of charge to attend. Profits from all ticket sales, alongside booking fees from Skiddle, will be donated to Manchester Village Pride Charities. The festival has been made possible thanks to a number of local and international partnerships, including CityCo, Screen Manchester, SCRUFF, Aviva Studios and many of Manchester’s hoteliers.
Gary James Williams, Head of Events at CityCo and producer of SCENE, said: “We’re thrilled that SCENE is back for a third edition, and after doubling our audience last year, the festival is going from strength to strength with thousands of fans from all over the UK and across the world coming to Manchester for the ultimate celebration of queer screen culture.
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“We’ve always wanted SCENE to be a festival where audiences can discover their next favourite film alongside celebrating the shows and stories they already love. This year’s programme is our biggest and most ambitious yet – from Almodóvar to Ab Fab, Barbara Hammer to I Kissed A Girl, old classics, new stories, shorts, docs, live comedy, dance shows, parties and exhibitions there’s something for everyone.
“Whether you’re coming just for the festival or extending your visit to Manchester ahead of our city’s Pride celebrations, we’re welcoming artists, filmmakers, writers, producers, programmers and importantly amazing audiences with open arms and a bucket of popcorn.”
The full line-up and ticket details for SCENE 2026 can be found here.
BEIJING (AP) — A remote province in China was struck by two earthquakes just 18 minutes apart late Tuesday morning, according to the United States Geological Survey.
The earthquakes in Qinghai province at 11:16 a.m. and 11:34 a.m. had magnitudes of 5.7 and 5.8 at a depth of 10 kilometers (6 miles), the USGS reported.
There were no immediate reports of casualties.
Qinghai province in China’s northwest is sparsely populated and often experiences earthquakes.
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A video from state broadcaster CCTV showed dust clouds rising from cliffs as the land shook.
The earthquakes also impacted Lanzhou in neighboring Gansu province, one of the largest cities in the area.. Social media videos showed lamps swinging inside residences in the city.
TransPennine Express said crews are dealing with an incident in the Mirfield area this morning (Tuesday, July 28).
Recommended reading:
Services are currently being cancelled at the West Yorkshire station, with one eyewitness saying the entrance has been cordoned off.
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Rail replacement transport is in operation from Huddersfield to Manchester Piccadilly and has been requested to Leeds.
National Rail said operating trains may be delayed by up to 60 minutes and is advising customers to check its real-time Journey Planner.
A spokesperson for TransPennine Express said routes from Manchester to York, Scarborough, Newcastle and Redcar Central are all affected by delays or short-notice cancellations in both directions.
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Network Rail said delays in the area are expected until 10.30am.
Passengers are advised to check live journey updates at journeycheck.com/tpexpress.
The Press has contacted West Yorkshire emergency services.
We will provide updated information to this breaking news when we receive it.
Traffic is queueing along the road while recovery takes place
Traffic is queueing along a major A-road after a “significant” crash involving two lorries. The A1 near Stibbington, between the A1139 Fletton Parkway in Peterborough and A47 at Wansford, was closed in both directions just after 4am today (Tuesday, July 28).
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Two lorries crashed along the road and later caught fire. The Peterborough Volunteer Fire Brigade attended the scene.
A fire spokesperson said: “A significant incident is currently ongoing on the A1 northbound, with multiple fire service crews, ambulance personnel, and police in attendance.
“The A1 northbound is fully closed between Chesterton and Wansford. Motorists are advised to avoid the area, seek alternative routes, and expect significant delays while emergency services respond.”
There are currently delays of around 20 minutes and two miles of congestion this morning while recovery takes place, National Highways reports.
Cambridgeshire Police, Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue and the East of England Ambulance Service have been contacted for further information.
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