Expect to see less visible security checks at the physical border crossing point. That’s according to the UK Government, which has launched a consultation on the 2025 UK Border Strategy. It says that it wants to ‘design the world’s most effective and innovative border’ by 2025.
On December 31, the UK’s transition period for leaving the European Union will end, and the UK will operate its own border. The Government says that it will publish a 2025 UK Border Strategy by the end of the year. Plans include digital identification systems; deterring and disrupting organised crime and terrorism; identifying and preventing bio-security threats, and preventing abuse of the migration system.
The Government speaks of a ‘more user-centric’ border, moving processes away from the border – ‘upstream compliance’ to use jargon from the consultation document – where appropriate; and using digital systems for clearance of goods and people – ‘without compromising security’, according to the consultation document. More and better data on border movements will improve security, it is claimed, for example through ‘better analytical-based risk targeting’.
Home Secretary Priti Patel said: “The British people have voted to take back control of our border and introduce a new points-based immigration system. Looking forward to 2025, our new border strategy will play an important role in realising that aim, ensuring we are able to attract the best global talent and have full control of our border.
“We will transform the way in which people come to the UK, making it an even better place to live, work, study and visit. Whilst at the same time improving security, reducing illegal migration, and illicit commodity flows through investment in the border and better use of data.”
The consultation runs to August 28.
Earlier in the month, the Road Haulage Association (RHA) chief executive Richard Burnett said that time was running out and it was still not clear if there will be the sufficient support needed to keep the cross-border supply chains moving, on leaving the EU on January 1.
Picture by Mark Rowe; Dover harbour.
