LONDON: Border staff might be diverted from “crucial security functions” after Brexit to cope with a sudden increase in customs activity, MPs have warned.
The Commons Home Affairs Committee said a planned 4% increase in Border Force staff was “completely unconvincing”, warning: “Security must not be put at risk by government failure to plan.”
It also warned of “major border disruption” without urgent action. The Home Office said customs officials would have the resources they needed. The UK is due to withdraw from the EU in March 2019 when it will also leave the customs union.