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Security at UK border ports and airports is at risk due to lack of radios, staff distraction and “inefficient” use of resources, a damning inspector general’s report has found. .
The report was written by David Neil, who was recently sacked by the government as Britain’s chief border and immigration inspector.
Mr Neil said the passport electronic gates could be exploited due to “distractions, ineffective and inconsistent deployment of resources, lack of communication equipment, poorly configured arrival halls and poor data”. As a result, border security is “not effective or efficient,” he said.
Mr Neil’s team carried out checks at Heathrow, Stansted and Luton airports in May last year following previous failings in border security, but the situation could be similar at all UK ports and airports. He said it was highly sexual.
Of the six recommendations he made to then Home Secretary Suela Braverman in May last year, five have been accepted by the Home Office, but only two have been implemented so far.
The report also suggests that staffing issues have worsened since Brexit, with Border Force staff at Stansted experiencing a 400 per cent increase in casework since Brexit. It was revealed that he did.
Mr Neal said inspectors had found Border Force officers to be “dedicated” but that there had been a series of incidents, including posts being left unstaffed while officers tried to get management’s attention. He said problems were hampering effective operations.
The lack of staff radios is a common problem at all three airports, and Mr Neal said it poses an “increasing risk to staff safety and border security”.
This lack of efficient communication “leads to gaps in border security potentially being exploited and could have a negative impact on officer safety,” the report said, adding: “Inspectors are asked why they “We were not given a sufficient explanation of what would happen,” he added. Important but basic equipment is not mandated before police officers are deployed. ”
The report further added: “Border Patrol agents are often distracted from their core operational activities by the environment in which they operate. Screening teams often find that patrol officers are distracted by managing lines or responding to passenger questions. I witnessed it.
“Inspectors also observed that poor infrastructure in the arrivals lobby created additional stress for officers.”
Mr Neil had previously recommended that at least two Border Force agents be stationed at ports and airports where more than 10 passport gates operate, but the Home Office accepted that as a mandatory directive. He refused and left it to the on-site manager. As guidance.
Neil said the guidelines were not being followed at all three airports inspected.
The report further added: “Inspections revealed a lack of basic communications equipment. Border crossings were left unattended while police officers signaled to administrators for attention. witnessed by inspectors.
“This is unacceptable and needs to be addressed urgently.”
The inspection also revealed flaws in the Home Office’s data. This data was not provided to border force managers on the ground, “thus hindering their ability to conduct effective operations.”
Mr Neil added: “The evidence provides a snapshot of a system that is far from what is envisaged in the UK Border Strategy 2025…
“Based on this inspection, I do not believe border security is effective or efficient.”
In a formal response to Mr Neil’s inspection report, the Home Office said:
“While we recognize that the airport environment is complex and that factors beyond our direct control can sometimes impact our processes, our goal is to To provide a professional and adaptable service that protects our people by providing secure borders, while facilitating legitimate travel and trade.”
A Home Office spokesperson said: “We are implementing the recommendations in this report, including improving our information management practices to better identify and remediate deficiencies.
“Border Forces operate across 140 different ports and last year facilitated 132 million passenger arrivals, processing more than 96% of passengers within service standards.
“While we recognize that the airport environment is complex and that factors beyond our direct control can sometimes impact our processes, we are committed to ensuring that while facilitating travel and trade, We will continue to provide a professional service that protects the public.”