Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Border Force

Monday 25 April 2022 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial review commissioned to improve Border Force operations.
  • Expanded Border Force staff in Holyhead from 20 to 60 members.
  • Government working on digitalising borders for enhanced security checks.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Andrew Rosindell Reform Romford
Immigration Migrants & Borders
Context

The question follows an initial concern about the operational efficiency of Border Force.

Question

What steps she is taking to strengthen the effectiveness of Border Force. She works tirelessly not just to secure our borders but also on security work to intercept illicit and counterfeit goods at airports and sea. This work covers over 140 major UK ports and airports.

Answer from Priti Patel

I have commissioned an independent review of Border Force to identify ways in which its operation can be improved. This includes work across more than 140 major sea and airports across the UK.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific steps or timeline for improvements not provided, only mentions a review is being commissioned.

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Q2 Virginia Crosbie
Migrants & Borders NHS
Context

The MP addresses concerns from her constituents in Ynys Môn about illegal immigration, highlighting the increase of Border Force staff at Holyhead from 20 to 60.

Question

My Ynys Môn constituents are concerned about illegal immigration. Will my right hon. Friend thank Border Force for its work? Can she reassure people across Anglesey that the Government remain committed to giving refuge to all those who need it, while acting compassionately and swiftly to remove those who do not?

Answer from Priti Patel

My hon. Friend is absolutely right about the work under way in Holyhead, which includes expanding from 20 to 60 staff members. The team works on both passenger and commercial security, addressing concerns of illegal migration with increased local jobs.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Does not explicitly commit to compassionate and swift removal or providing refuge.

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Q3 Andrew Rosindell Reform Romford
Ukraine Standards & Ethics
Context

The MP seeks assurance on the Government's commitment to maintaining public safety while aiding Ukrainian refugees.

Question

Will my right hon. Friend assure me that as the Government rightly help those most in need from Ukraine, they will continue to make the security of the British public a priority through the use of biometrics and other security checks for refugees entering the United Kingdom?

Answer from Priti Patel

My hon. Friend is absolutely right about security checks for reasons related to domestic safety. Work is under way on digitalising borders, involving not just the Home Office but also the Cabinet Office in post-Brexit global Britain initiatives.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Does not provide a direct assurance regarding continued security measures for Ukrainian refugees.

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