Prime Minister Announces Unified Border Force

The UK Prime Minister, the Rt Hon Gordon Brown MP, has announced an intention to create a ‘unified border force’ that will integrate the work of the Border and Immigration Agency (BIA), part of the UK Home Office, Customs and UKvisas, the joint Home Office and Foreign and Commonwealth department dealing with applications for entry clearance (visas) at UK Embassies and High Commissions overseas.

Thus the force will cover both places where people enter the UK, such as ports and airports, and posts overseas. The Prime Minister also advocated the electronic screening of all passengers. It is intended that  within 9 months all applicants will be given biometric visas.