MINISTER WELCOMES SOLIHULL MP'S CALL FOR POLICE TO FORM PART OF INTEGRATED BORDER FORCE

2.27.36pm GMT Tue 18th Dec 2007

Speaking in a debate on airport security in Westminster today, Lorely Burt MP called on Government to strengthen its Border Force by fully integrating the Police into future operations.

Mrs Burt, who called for the new Border Force following security concerns at Birmingham International Airport this summer, said the Police should work more closely with the combined Immigration, Revenue and Customs, and UK VISA agencies following their amalgamation as a new Border Force announced at the end of July.

Lorely Burt MP said:

"When Government took the decision to amalgamate these services, why on earth were the police not included as part of an integrated Border Force?

Home Office Minister, Vernon Coaker MP welcomed the suggestion that more needed to be done and said the possibilities for integrating the Police into the Border Force would be further investigated by Government.