Originally Posted by OGG flyer

I must say I find this hard to believe. I am sure this happened of course, but is there any more context to this?
UK passport is one of the most valuable in the world, with UK being the 6th largest economy developed nation. I can't see anyone being turned away in EU/Schengen if all valid documents under visa waiver agreements. Staying overnight for a flight is not typically an issue. In some EU/Schengen airports there are even automated kiosks and no need to see immigration (CDG for instance).
To say this is highly unusual, is an understatement. Perhaps there is more context to this, not that I blame the poor guy but we don't know how frequently he travels to EU, duration etc There is not enough info in the OP's post to really dig into any depth with this.

EDIT: USA is an exception but I have long stopped considering that place a proper developed country lol