Border Force ‘neglecting duties’ and ‘weakening’ security – MPs

Is the Border Force fit for purpose? At one point it became a model for reform with ministers arguing that its performance had improved significantly since it was split from UKBA in March 2012 into a separate law enforcement body. But today the Public Accounts Committee suggests the Border Force isn’t quite fighting fit: more puffing at the back of the line and a bit paunchy. The PAC’s report points to weakened security at the border as the Border Force is forced to prioritise passenger checks over checking freight for illicit goods or illegal immigrants, gaps in intelligence on those coming into the country, and ‘inadequate IT systems’. It has missed eight of its 19 targets for seizure and detection targets, and the committee demanded that the Force ‘set out how it will ensure that it delivers its full range of duties across all ports to provide the required level of security’.

Now, few people reading the report this morning will be spilling their breakfast cereal in surprise that our borders aren’t being manned as well as they should.