Question to the Home Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have begun to work with airports and the air freight industry to develop a long-term plan for the Border Force to deal with the growth in demand for passenger and freight flights post-Brexit; and if so, when they plan to publish such a plan.

The Government is committed to developing a border which utilises technology and automation, and better balances security and prosperity. The Government will continue to work closely with airports and other relevant parties within the industry to understand their concerns and address them as well as to create opportunities. Border Force has established a dedicated Industry Partnerships team for such engagement.

As part of our preparations Border Force is recruiting 300 frontline officers to allow existing staff to be trained in new requirements ahead of EU Exit. This is separate from the recruitment of up to 1,000 Border Force officers, which is to meet a range of business needs, including allowing Border Force to respond flexibly to emerging requirements.

While we cannot comment on detailed EU Exit planning, Government departments are working together across a range of complex issues to develop our future approach at the border. These options will be kept under review in light of negotiations with the EU.