On Monday, Home Secretary Priti Patel wrote about her plans for a digital border launch with new style electronic checks in the Express. She mentioned that British people deserve a borders system that they have confidence. Patel wrote, “As part of my vision for immigration, tomorrow I will be publishing a strategy on a digital revolution of our borders. This will mean the system is both easier to operate and, crucially, more secure. Our ‘Digital by default’ system will be giving the UK government for the first time ever the ability to count people in and out of the UK and see who has permission to be here. As part of the future system, everyone will need a permit to travel to the UK. Those who do not need a visa for short stays or do not have an immigration status prior to travelling will need to apply for an American style Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before heading to the UK. This will provide an enhanced ability to screen arrivals and stop serious criminals from coming to the UK. People coming in who require visas to work, study or visit will continue to pass security checks before being issued a visa.”
Patel despite being criticised for her perspective on the refugee crisis, went on to write, “I’m unapologetic about wanting to make the country as secure as possible.”
“My New Plan for Immigration is a wholesale reform of the system. The new digital border will work hand in glove with my plan to fix the broken asylum system and tackle illegal immigration,” she further added.
