Patel orders wide-ranging review of Border Force

Home Secretary Priti Patel has ordered a wide-ranging, independent review of Border Force to assess its structure, powers, funding and priorities.

The review will be carried out by Alexander Downer as an Independent Reviewer. Downer is currently executive chair at the International School for Government, King’s College London.

The review is the first of its kind since Border Force was set up and will ensure the UK government is prepared for future challenges at the border, by identifying change and improvements needed across Border Force’s work on illegal migration, customs and national security to help keep the UK safe, secure and prosperous.

Patel said: “Border Force officers work tirelessly to protect our borders at 140 sea and air ports right across the UK. Since Border Force was set up in 2011, its remit has grown to meet the changing border threats we face, and in recent years has supported delivery of the government’s Brexit commitments and Covid-19 measures.

“The public rightly expects this work to be carried out to the highest possible standard, which is why I have ordered this review of Border Force to identify ways in which it can keep improving its operations. I have appointed Alexander Downer to do this vital work and look forward to his findings and recommendations.”

The wide-ranging review is expected to take several months to complete.