UK Border Security: Issues, systems and recent reforms

Article

Issues of border security feature frequently in contemporary British politics as major public policy problems. Among the areas of concern are terrorism, drug trafficking, human trafficking and people smuggling, the need to exercise controls for human, plant and animal health protection and the illicit trade in weapons. This paper evaluates the National Security Strategy approach and aspirations regarding border security.

A submission to the ippr Commission on National Security for the 21st Century.

Issues of border security feature frequently in contemporary British politics as major public policy problems. Among the areas of concern are terrorism, drug trafficking, human trafficking and people smuggling, the need to exercise controls for human, plant and animal health protection and the illicit trade in weapons.

This paper evaluates the National Security Strategy approach and aspirations regarding border security. In particular, this paper reviews current UK border strategy, examines trends in global movements with special regard to the UK's position and then considers three priority areas of UK border strategy:

  • people movement controls
  • drug trafficking controls
  • anti-terrorism controls.

The paper also considers after-entry controls or responses, recognising that there will continue to be illicit entries of people and controlled goods and the need to manage the asylum request process in order to effect the removal of those persons whose claims are not accepted or given leave to remain on other grounds.

Related items

  1. A young boy and girl entering the front door of a house, smiling. Their father carries a baby behind them

    The homes that children deserve: Housing policy to support families

    As the government seeks to develop a new child poverty strategy, it will need to grapple with housing – the single largest cost faced by families.
  2. A car park with a series of electric vehicle charging point parking spaces

    Powering up public support for electric vehicles

    Tackling greenhouse gas emissions will only work if public support for action remains strong. That means ensuring tangible improvements in people’s lives and heading off any brewing backlash.

  3. Assessing the economy

    Over the past few days and weeks, there has been lots of rather histrionic commentary about the UK’s economic situation as if the budget has created an economic disaster from which we’ll never recover.