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BORDER FORCE BUDGET 2016-17
20 April 2016
Lead MP
Andy Burnham
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
Migrants & Borders
Other Contributors: 41
At a Glance
Andy Burnham raised concerns about border force budget 2016-17 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
Labour pressure has led to a U-turn on deeper cuts in the UK border. The budget announced by the Home Secretary is a revenue cut from £617 million in 2012-13 to £558 million in 2016-17. Labour demands guarantees that there will be no further cuts and calls for an urgent review of border security.
Theresa May
Con
Bromley and Chislehurst
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.
Andy Burnham
Lab
Leigh
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.
Philip Hollobone
Con
Kettering
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.
Theresa May
Con
Bromley and Chislehurst
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.
Joanna Cherry
SNP
Edinburgh South West
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.
Theresa May
Con
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.
Tim Loughton
Con
East Worthing and Shoreham
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.
Theresa May
Con
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.
Keith Vaz
Lab
Erewash
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.
Theresa May
Con
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.
Christchurch
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.
Paul Flynn
Lab
Ceredigion
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.
Theresa May
Con
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.
David Nuttall
Con
Bury North
Asked about steps being taken based on the independent chief inspector's report to improve removals system efficiency for saving Border Force budget.
Theresa May
Con
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.
Tom Brake
Lib Dem
Carshalton and Wallington
Asked how many more staff could be deployed if the Government were to scrap the landlords’ helpline to improve border security.
Theresa May
Con
Noted that measures like ensuring people renting property are legally present in the UK are impacting illegal immigrant removal.
James Berry
Con
City of Durham
Complimented the Government’s investment in border technology and firm stance against Schengen system, stating it contributes to strongest borders in Europe.
Theresa May
Con
Agreed that not joining the Schengen system is crucial for retaining control at our borders.
Melanie Onn
Lab
Great Grimsby and Cleethorpes
Raised concerns about security around large transporter ships arriving in Grimsby, questioned adequacy of protection measures.
Theresa May
Con
Acknowledged regular reviews to ensure border security is appropriate for the nature of business at ports; emphasised responsibility lies with traffickers.
Simon Hoare
Con
North Dorset
Praised Border Force's efforts and inquired about the role of Investigatory Powers Bill in assisting and strengthening their work.
Theresa May
Con
Stressed importance of Investigatory Powers Bill for law enforcement agencies and security services to access necessary tools and powers.
Patrick Grady
SNP
Garscadden
Complained about inefficiencies at Gatwick border control, inquired how the budget would address these issues.
Theresa May
Con
Responded that service standards are met at airports and mentioned the conflicting demands for more security while also wanting faster processing.
Martin Vickers
Con
Brigg and Immingham
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.
Gavin Robinson
DUP
Belfast East
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.
Henry Smith
12:37:00
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.
Steve McCabe
12:37:00
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.
Richard Burden
12:37:00
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.
Andrew Gwynne
Ind
Gorton and Denton
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.
Mike Kane
Lab
Wythenshawe and Sale East
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.
Toby Perkins
Lab
Chesterfield
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.
Government Response
Provided assurances regarding flexibility in resource allocation to protect borders and ports, discussed ongoing cooperation with Irish authorities on security improvements, and highlighted specific actions taken to support effective border control.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
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