3 April 2008

The government today launched a new unified Border Agency. Border, immigration, customs and visa checks will be united in the new UK Border Agency. The new 25,000 strong organisation includes more than 9,000 warranted officers operating in local communities, at the border and across 135 countries worldwide, with wide ranging search, seizure and detention powers.Over the next four months 1,000 frontline staff will be conferred with both immigration and customs powers and staff in England and Wales will be equipped with police-like powers as set out in the UK Borders Act 2007. A full merger will follow new legislation presented to the House in the autumn of 2008. The UK Border Agency will link with the 3,000 police stationed at ports and airports following a new agreement with the Association of Chief Police Officers. Talks are also continuing on closer integration.