B

Baroness Ludford (LD)

Speaking in the House of Lords on 15 June 2026

Debate

Immigration (Leave to Enter and Remain) (Amendment) Order 2026

Contribution

I am not entirely clear how Border Force would address the safeguarding risk. I am not an expert on Border Force methods, but the Explanatory Memorandum says that “the continued deployment of Border Force officers in the arrivals hall” would be done “to identify safeguarding risks.” I was not clear from the Minister’s presentation what they would be looking for in order to identify safeguarding risks. Presumably, for children between eight and 10 who have to go through physical checks, there is some training of Border Force officers in their checking and questioning, which of course will not happen with e-gates. I was not clear what they would be looking for—what they would be trying to identify in the behaviour or identity of the adult and child going through. I just add how impressed I have been with my recent use of e-gates, contrary to the experience at other points. One has just sailed through recently—touch wood. I may be tempting fate, but it has worked for me the last few times I have used it.

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