Airport borders not working properly, sacked immigration watchdog found

The former independent immigration watchdog called UK border protection "neither effective nor efficient" in a report that went unpublished by the government for nine months.

David Neal found e-passport gates at airports were staffed by "distracted" officers who lacked basic equipment.

The accusation is within 13 previously withheld reports written by Mr Neal, who was sacked last week.

MPs criticised the delay as reports are normally released within eight weeks.

Mr Neal was let go from his role last week after details of his findings appeared in newspapers.

The publication of the overdue reports were "a demonstration of transparency and acceptance of independent scrutiny", the Home Office said on Thursday, adding that a further two reports would be published in the next eight weeks.

As the Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration (ICIBI) at the time, Mr Neal wrote that an inspection of the e-passport system at airports found border officials distracted and stressed, lacking basic communication equipment.

The report, completed in May 2023, said resources were inconsistently deployed, and border posts went unmanned while staff went to get additional help.

The Home Office acknowledged airports were "complicated", but said its aim was "to provide a professional and adaptable service which protects the public by providing a secure border, whilst facilitating legitimate travel and trade."

Two other reports, looking at the use of hotels to house unaccompanied asylum seeking children and families, said "basic bread-and-butter checks" on hotel staff had not been carried out.

They also highlighted the chaotic handling of Afghans who came to the UK after the Taliban takeover in Kabul in August 2021.

He said the Home Office had been unable to process cases efficiently, and poor IT systems led officials to contact some of the evacuees by phone to ask if they had permission to remain in the UK.

A 'burning platform'

His report on the asylum system described it as a "burning platform that required radical action".

It questioned why the Home Office had not taken action to address an increasing backlog of cases before Rishi Sunak promised in December 2022 to clear them.

Mr Neal said there had been a soaring number of asylum cases withdrawn, or cancelled, by the Home Office after the prime minister's announcement.

"22% of all decisions made since June 2022 were withdrawals, and, incredibly, only one underwent formal quality assurance. This is not acceptable," said Mr Neal.

"I am concerned that the focus on clearing the legacy backlog 'at all costs' has led to perverse outcomes for claimants and staff."

Mr Neal was sacked last week after the Home Office said he breached the terms of his role and leaked confidential information.

David Neal was sacked last week after details of critical reports appeared in newspapers

Mr Neal had told the Daily Mail he had seen Home Office data suggesting that just 21% of private jets classified as high risk, which came into London City Airport, were inspected by immigration officials last year.

Immigration minister Tom Pursglove told the Commons the Home Office "categorically" rejected claims.

But when he appeared before MPs on the Home Affairs Select Committee on Tuesday, Mr Neal said he had been "sacked for doing his job" on a Microsoft Teams call with Home Secretary James Cleverly.

He added that he stood by the contents of his report on private jets.

"I wouldn't have submitted it and behaved in the way I've done if there were any doubts it wasn't accurate," he said.

In one report Mr Neal had accused the Home Office of "sitting on" his revelations in 2022.

A source at the department described the reports as "dirty nappies" left behind in the Home Office.

Labour shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said Tory ministers had "sat on these devastating reports for months in a bid to hide their utter failure to protect our borders."

"They have tried to bury this bad news, but the public deserve the truth," Ms Cooper added.

A spokeswoman for No. 10 Downing Street downplayed suggestions the delay was deliberate, and said the government had "wanted to publish [the reports] as swiftly as possible following the necessary and appropriate due diligence".

A Home Office spokeswoman said: "In January the Home Secretary made a promise to the previous Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration to publish all overdue reports as soon as possible.

"Today we have delivered on that promise by publishing all 13 reports that were overdue.

"The publication of these reports that scrutinise the activity of the Home Office and make recommendations for improvement is in and of itself a demonstration of transparency and acceptance of independent scrutiny.

"A final two reports from the former Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration will be published in the established eight week period. A process of appointing his replacement is already underway."