Press Release Of The Day: Let’s Put Illegal Immigrants In Lorries
IMMIGRATION. File under ‘beyond satire’:
The fight against illegal immigration took another step forward today with the launch of a purpose-built lorry to detain illegal immigrants in Poole.
Immigration Minister Liam Byrne saw at first hand how the pilot project helps ensure illegal migrants found at UK ports on the south coast by Border and Immigration Agency (BIA) officers can be securely detained in a purpose built facility.
The specially designed vehicle can be driven to where it is needed most and can hold up to ten suspected immigration offenders for a maximum of 12 hours while checks are done to verify their right to be in the UK or prior to being taken to an immigration removal centre.
Immigration Minister Liam Byrne said:
“Tougher checks at Britain’s borders mean on the spot lock-ups are now essential.
“It sends a very clear message to would-be illegal immigrants that when we catch you we’ll instantly detain you and then we will send you home. “Today’s test in Poole is part of sweeping changes to transform Britain’s border security for the modern world.”
Effective immigration controls don’t just start when people enter Britain, they begin before travellers board a train, plane or boat. Last year the BIA stopped 17,000 people crossing the Channel illegally. In the same period, immigration controls in France and Belgium refused entry to 6,000 people. Ferries arriving in Poole are searched for illegal entrants before setting sail for the UK. The success of these off-shore controls are clear with an 88 per cent reduction in the number of illegal immigrants arriving in the UK since 2002.
NOTES TO EDITORS
1. The pilot is operated by GEO, a global organisation specialising in custody and escort and services, and consists of:
* four detention custody officers;
* a mobile holding van which provides a static facility to detain up to ten immigration offenders; and
* a shuttle vehicle for transporting immigration offenders between the point of detection, the holding facility, police stations, removal centres and so on.
2. The pilot will last until February 2008.
Client ref 150/2007
GNN ref 151997P
Spotter: Dizzy
Posted: 27th, September 2007 | In: Reviews Comment | TrackBack | Permalink
