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The UK’s massive passport application backlog makes headlines on Thursday (21 July) with the government admitting half a million people are still waiting for new documents.
Meanwhile, the Home Office has announced plans to trial contactless borders following a review, while a list of the world’s dirtiest cities is also revealed following a global poll of residents.
Here are the main national headlines affecting travel on Thursday 21 July.
Half a million waiting for passports
More than 550,000 passports were still waiting to be dealt with at the end of June, the passport office chief admitted. Speaking to the Commons Home Affairs Committee, Thomas Greig warned delays in processing could continue over the summer and may not improve before the end of the year. (Sky News)
UK trials contactless borders
Travellers could one day breeze through border control with no physical checks in new “contactless corridors” being trialled by the Home Office. Home secretary Priti Patel announced on Wednesday her department would pilot secure “contactless” border crossings. Travellers would undergo “pre-screening” without needing to use an eGate (The Independent)
British passport is ‘sixth most powerful’
The British passport is the world’s sixth most powerful with visa-free or visa on-arrival access to 187 countries. It was one place ahead of the US at 186 countries, data from the Henley Passport Index showed. Japan, Singapore and South Korea possess the world’s most powerful passports, with easy entry to 192 or 193 countries. (City AM)
Filthiest city revealed in poll
Rome has topped the list of world’s dirtiest cities in a Time Out poll. The Italian capital’s overflowing rubbish bins, “unbridled rat population and acrid stench” earned it “top” spot in a poll of 27,000 city dwellers globally. Rome was followed closely by New York and Glasgow. (The Independent)
Biden unveils climate change plan
US President Joe Biden has announced £1.9 billion to help build infrastructure to withstand extreme weather and natural disasters, but stopped short of formally declaring a climate emergency, which would grant him further powers. Funding will go to expanding flood control, shoring up utilities, retrofitting buildings and helping families pay for heating and cooling costs. (BBC News)
