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Border agency blasted as 'hype'
Page 14
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By Chris Tindall LAST WEEK, staff from Immigration, HM Revenue & Customs and Visas merged to create the new UK Border Immigration Agency (UKBA), in an attempt to strengthen the country's borders.
The agency brings together 25,000 staff working at ports and border locations, and in communities in 135 countries. The Home Office says 1.000 officers will be given extended immigration and customs A Donald A rmour powers over the coming months, and staff in England and Wales will be given "police-like" powers.
However, the Conservative Party has accused the government of "hyping up" the changes and claims it is the same people doing the same jobs under a different name. When CM asked the Home Office about the UKBA's powers, it was unable to provide any information.
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith says the agency will "help strengthen protection of our border. With tough customs, immigration and police-like powers. UKBA officers will be better equipped to guard our ports and airports. and protect the country from illegal immigration, organised crime and terrorism."
The agency will work closely with police stationed at the ports, and will include a single border intelligence service.
But Shadow Home Secretary David Davis says: "This is the same porous arrangements which have failed to secure our borders but with a new name.
"We would establish a dedicated UK border force with proper police powers to secure our borders and to tackle crime, from human trafficking to drug smuggling."
The Freight Transport Association welcomes the move. Donald Armour. manager of international affairs, says: "It's an opportunity to streamline the various controls at the border crossings."
He adds: "Provided they pull all their data streams together, we are happy to give them what they want. In return, we want our international members to not get held up, to be recognised by officials and to get a green light."