Member

The noble Baroness, Lady Hamwee, has tabled an amendment relating to the language in Clause 6 to probe the extent to which the operational decisions are within the remit of the board. As I have mentioned previously, the Government value the operational independence of our law enforcement agencies, and it is clear that the board is not designed to direct the operational activities of the individual agencies. Going back to the very same point that was raised by the noble Viscount, it is a unique forum that will enable senior representatives from across the system to shape a collective strategic response to the identified border security threats. The House of Commons heard in oral evidence sessions from law enforcement leaders who underlined the value of this strategic forum, which enables our law enforcement bodies to focus on their operational activity. I hope that the language point that she mentioned will be satisfied by the explanation that I have given.