Security
Border security
Controlling who passes through our country’s borders is an essential part of protecting us from terrorism.
There is an organised and effective border control operation in place, including comprehensive visa requirements, and procedures and powers for checking passengers who are considered a possible risk to the security of the UK.
Securing the UK’s borders involves specialist expertise and close co-operation of the Police, the Security Service (MI5), and Immigration and Customs. These agencies work together, sharing intelligence to target those who pose a security risk, to minimise disruption to passengers, trade and freight.
Border security measures must also be integrated as much as possible with the security measures used in our transport systems. We work closely with the Transport Security and and Contingencies Directorate (new window) (TRANSEC) of the Department for Transport, which is responsible for transport security issues, for example, the screening of passengers and baggage on departured from the UK
Strengthened security
We have increased border security measures at airports and ports in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, including:
- increasing police, immigration and customs examining officers stop and search powers
- requesting air and sea carriers to supply information about passengers, crew and freight on journeys to, from or in the UK - this is currently used only in exceptional circumstances
- setting up joint immigration controls in France and Belgium
- installing new detection technology at the Channel Tunnel to check for people concealed in lorries or trains - this is currently being extended
- introducing new equipment at all ports and airports to screen for illicit importations of radioactive materials
- recruiting a National Coordinator for Ports Policing responsible for inspecting ports to ensure effective use of resources, advise on counter-terrorism measures and liaise with police, immigration and customs and the Department for Transport
Following the attacks on London on 7 July 2005 we will continue to review and enforce our strict border controls to keep terrorists, and those who aim to incite terrorism, out of the UK.
