UK border force statement
7 November 2011 (updated on 8 November 2011)
Secretary of State for the Home Department, Theresa May, made a statement on Monday 7 November on the subject of the UK Border Force.
Shadow Secretary of State for the Home Department, Yvette Cooper, responded to the statement on behalf of the Opposition. Watch and read the statement and the views expressed by MPs on Parliament TV and in Commons Hansard.
- Parliament TV: Statement on UK border force
- Commons Hansard: Statement on UK border force
- Topics: Asylum, immigration and nationality
UK border force
The UK border force is an operational division of the UK Border Agency. Border force activities include verifying the immigration status of passengers arriving and departing the UK; checking baggage, vehicles and cargo for illicit goods; and searching for illegal immigrants.
Following allegations that security checks were not being implemented properly and that border controls had been relaxed without ministerial approval; the Home Secretary has announced three inquiries into the allegations. It is expected that the inquries will report by the end of January 2012.
Further information on the Home Office, the UK Border Agency and the UK border force can be found on the Home Office and UK Border Agency websites.
- Home Office (external website)
- UK Border Agency (external website)
Oral statements
Oral statements are made after Question Time (or at 11am on a Friday). Statements normally relate to matters of policy or government actions. At the end of a statement, MPs can respond or question the government minister on its contents.