Head of UK border force suspended

Border staff have been under pressure to speed up queues at airports

The head of the UK border force has been suspended by the Home Office following allegations staff were told to scale down some identity checks.

The official who has been suspended is Brodie Clark, who also sits on the board of the UK Border Agency (UKBA).

The Home Office says it is investigating the allegations and has made no further comment.

Staff working for the UK border force, which is part of the UKBA, are responsible for checking passports.

They also carry out immigration raids.

The detail of the allegations has not been confirmed but it is understood staff were told to not check some biometric passports, and not to check the details of some travellers against Home Office watch lists.

BBC home affairs correspondent Tom Symonds said border staff have been under immense pressure to reduce queues at airports and reducing checks would speed up passage through airports.

— ’re ’s , . Five Filters recommends: Donate to Wikileaks.