Question to the Prime Minister - Port Security - 28th Feb, 2007

Sian James MP has today asked Prime Minister Tony Blair about security at smaller Ports such as Swansea.

Mrs James has tabled Parliamentary Questions on previous occasions regarding 24hr security at UK Ports.

Mrs James MP said:

"I wanted to raise this matter with the Prime Minister as it is such an important issue, not just in Swansea, but throughout the country. The UK Borders Bill will indeed give Ports such as Swansea increased security, help tackle illegal immigration and fight organised crime. However, I wanted Tony Blair to assure my constituents and PCS Union representatives that increased customs and security measures at Wales’ second city will be introduced as a result of the Bill."

There are currently 19 ports in the UK and in juxtaposed locations which are staffed 24 hours a day. Other ports are covered on a regular basis to cover scheduled services with all remaining points of entry attended on a risk assessed basis or in response to specific intelligence.

Currently, small ports, like Swansea, are staffed in a targeted way based on risk and supported by reliable intelligence. It is believed to be the most effective method of countering the overall threat, and the best use of the finite staff resources.

Prime Minister Tony Blair MP said: "She is entirely right to say that the UK Borders Bill will improve security at our ports, and I pay tribute to the work that has been done by people in her constituency. The measure is in addition to a big investment in electronic borders, which will allow us to track the movements of people in and out of the country, but it is necessary to combine those measures for better border protection with the introduction of identity cards and a proper identity management system, because that is ultimately the only way of tracking illegal immigrants to this country and making sure that they can be deported."