BORDER FORCE BUDGET 2016-17

The Government prioritises the safety and security of its citizens, with Border Force spending largely protected compared to 2015-16. The budget includes £558 million in revenue and a significant increase in capital investment to improve technology and intelligence at the border.

The Home Secretary's announced budget is insufficient given the increased terror threat, and there are concerns about inadequate training of staff and replacement of experienced officers with untrained personnel. Labour calls for a review of border security to address these gaps.

Concerned about illegal immigration crossing through Kettering, the Home Secretary is asked what more can be done to ensure tougher enforcement at borders and prevent illegal immigrants from entering the UK via lorries.

Responds that significant investments have been made in Calais to hinder illegal immigration, and continued technological improvements are being pursued. Emphasises ongoing review of border security processes is crucial.

Critiques the Home Office's approach as counterproductive due to its focus on ideological austerity rather than practical immigration control, leading to a clampdown on skilled workers and students. Urges abandonment of fantasy net migration targets in favour of evidence-based policies.

Clarified the distinction between border security and immigration checks, addressed the issue of children in Calais being processed faster by sending a second person to the Ministry of Interior in Paris.

Critiqued the shadow Home Secretary's approach as manufactured rage, praised Border Force staff for their excellent job, noted the need to be flexible with independent vessels crossing the channel.

Acknowledged Tim Loughton’s remarks and confirmed that they are being flexible in response to changing needs; also mentioned discussions with Belgian and Dutch counterparts about access from ports into the UK.

Praised Border Force's leadership provided by Sir Charles Montgomery, asked for confirmation on 100% checks on lorries entering the country to address security and immigration issues.

Responded that different types of checks are carried out on lorries including use of dogs, acknowledged the need for flexibility in addressing displacement issues across other ports in Europe.

Asked about reinstatement of maritime aerial surveillance capability to detect people trying to smuggle into the country and was assured that capabilities were being maintained but delivered differently.

Inquired about measures to ensure fair distribution of asylum seekers throughout the UK, mentioned a case in his constituency where an asylum seeker later committed crimes.

Noted that her constituency does not usually take asylum seekers but is participating in the Syrian refugee resettlement scheme; discussed regular conversations with local authorities on dispersal of asylum seekers.

Asked about steps being taken based on the independent chief inspector's report to improve removals system efficiency for saving Border Force budget.

Confirmed continuous efforts to improve ability to remove illegal immigrants, highlighted measures in Immigration Act 2014 such as restricting access to driving licenses and bank accounts.

Asked how many more staff could be deployed if the Government were to scrap the landlords’ helpline to improve border security.

Noted that measures like ensuring people renting property are legally present in the UK are impacting illegal immigrant removal.

Complimented the Government’s investment in border technology and firm stance against Schengen system, stating it contributes to strongest borders in Europe.

Agreed that not joining the Schengen system is crucial for retaining control at our borders.

Raised concerns about security around large transporter ships arriving in Grimsby, questioned adequacy of protection measures.

Acknowledged regular reviews to ensure border security is appropriate for the nature of business at ports; emphasised responsibility lies with traffickers.

Praised Border Force's efforts and inquired about the role of Investigatory Powers Bill in assisting and strengthening their work.

Stressed importance of Investigatory Powers Bill for law enforcement agencies and security services to access necessary tools and powers.

Complained about inefficiencies at Gatwick border control, inquired how the budget would address these issues.

Responded that service standards are met at airports and mentioned the conflicting demands for more security while also wanting faster processing.

Raised concerns about border staff worries at the port of Immingham in his constituency, asking for an assurance that resources will be moved to protect Humber ports if necessary.

Responded by emphasising flexibility within Border Force to move resources around the country, stating this is being done for east coast ports including Immingham.

Asked about co-operation with Ireland given Northern Ireland's unique land border situation and expressed concern over Garda Siochana feeling ill-equipped to prevent terrorists from entering the UK through their borders.

Reassured that regular discussions are held with Irish Government on improving security, highlighting ongoing work on data sharing and system improvements to support better border security.

Praised the hard work of Border Force officers at Gatwick for apprehending terror suspects and requested assurance that they will continue receiving support from the Home Office.

Gave an assurance to continue supporting border force officers, highlighting improvements in flexibility of Border Force resources.

Asked for a statement regarding allegations that lapses under the Home Secretary's watch allowed terrorists to breach UK’s border security.

Responded by stressing the importance of information exchange between countries and efforts to improve security measures at borders.

Asked about 100% checks on trucks at ports and expressed concern over the impact of budget cuts on Border Force's ability to maintain necessary levels of security.

Responded by emphasising the need for effective use of resources rather than absolute funding, highlighting improvements in border control and screening at juxtaposed controls.

Asked about resource adequacy at Manchester airport's passport control and highlighted a loophole at terminal 3 where certain passengers do not undergo customs checks.

Assured regular discussions with Manchester airport regarding traffic and resources needed, recognising the airport's significance.

Criticised Border Force inadequacies at Manchester airport following a watchdog study showing under-resourced border security leading to significant delays for passengers and lack of effectiveness in drug detection.

Responded by stating discussions with officials about necessary resources, highlighted dealing seriously with issues such as misdirected flights.

Agreed on the commendations for border staff but emphasised the importance of numbers and asked if the government still agrees that 30,000 is the right number of Border Force members to protect borders.

Clarified that a new police force was proposed but not created, emphasising current arrangements include Border Force and other agencies working together for border protection.