While all eyes are on asylum seekers crossing the Channel in small boats, thousands more migrants may be entering Britain unhindered because of criminally lax security at some airports.
Private and charter flights classified as ‘high risk’ – i.e. those from unstable countries or with suspicious passenger lists – are supposed to be checked on arrival here.
But at London City airport alone, just one in five – 140 out of 687 – were. The rest were simply waved through. No effective passport control, no luggage searches, no awkward security questions.
The risk of criminals or extremists slipping clandestinely into the country is obvious, as is the potential for drug smuggling and people trafficking. And if it’s happening at London City, the overwhelming likelihood is that it’s happening at other airports.
It is the latest in a series of warnings over this massive gap in our national security.
Private and charter flights classified as ‘high risk’ – i.e. those from unstable countries or with suspicious passenger lists – are supposed to be checked on arrival here (stock image)
The man who brought it to public attention is David Neal, chief inspector of borders and immigration.
He tells the Mail: ‘This is a scandal and incredibly dangerous for this country’s border security.’
Yet instead of acting on his concerns, the Home Office has chosen not to renew his contract, contrary to a convention under which he would normally have served a second three-year term.
Despite talking tough, this Government’s record on migration has been pitiful. Turning a deaf ear to Mr Neal’s warnings will only make it worse – endangering security and making a mockery of the pledge to take back control of our borders.
With an election in the offing, ministers would rather brush their manifest failings under the carpet than confront them.
Keir’s Gaza quandary
Labour’s moral dilemma over Gaza continues to tear the party apart. How does Sir Keir Starmer keep the staunchly pro-Palestinian wing of his party on board, while also recognising Israel’s right to defend itself against terrorism?
He has consistently declined to endorse an immediate ceasefire, recognising that it is untenable until Hamas releases its hostages.
Yesterday, however, his party appeared to be shifting, saying Israel has gone ‘beyond reasonable self-defence’ and calling for a permanent end to the fighting.
Everyone wants an end to the carnage, of course, but responsibility lies with Hamas, who committed the October 7 massacre.
How does Sir Keir Starmer keep the staunchly pro-Palestinian wing of his party on board, while also recognising Israel’s right to defend itself against terrorism?
It is to them, and their Iranian puppeteers, that Sir Keir’s peace-making efforts should be directed.
For Israelis, this is an existential struggle against an enemy that wants to wipe the Jewish state and its people off the map.
After pledging his support, for the Labour leader now to abandon them for short-term political expediency would be shaming.
Dog-whistle politics
Like a beagle with a bone, Labour continues to obsess about foxhunting. Having banned it in 2004, the party now plans also to outlaw ‘drag’ hunting, where the dogs follow a scented trail.
The effect could be to abolish the ancient country tradition of riding to hounds altogether.
Their excuse is that the pack may sometimes come across a fox or other animal during a drag chase and kill them. But the real reason is that Labour’s urban-class warriors despise the thought of people they regard as ‘toffs’ blowing horns and galloping through the countryside in their red coats.
In fact, such pursuits are enjoyed by all classes and provide employment in hard-pressed rural areas.
Ironically, Labour’s environment spokesman Steve Reed is currently on a charm offensive, saying his party intends to treat country folk with ‘a greater respect’. Who does he think he’s kidding?
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