A former independent borders inspector, David Neal, has criticised the UK’s Home Office for not properly reforming in a podcast interview with the Today programme. Neal claims that the immigration system is in disarray and that the department faces major problems that must be addressed urgently. He cited one example of the problems, arguing that the lack of radios for border officers at Heathrow Airport’s gates was “madness”. The Home Office denied Neal’s accusations, stating that it already had a reform programme under way to help Border Force improve its capabilities.
Neal’s public criticism followed his sacking last month by the government on the grounds that he had leaked confidential information, after he had publicly disclosed his concerns that Border Force was failing to carry out appropriate security checks on private jets. At the same time, 15 of his reports were being withheld from publication by the Home Office, with the oldest dating back 18 months; 13 were subsequently published.
Neal’s critique of the Home Office centred on the lack of responsibility taken by officials concerning the immigration system, while he also highlighted a culture of “blaming up” to ministers. When he had expressed his concerns in his official reports, Neal said that he encountered senior officials who simply “don’t get it”. Neal’s concern was policy people versus operational people, with too few practical operatives having input into policy making.
Neal also emphasised that there were a lack of proper communication systems in the job, stating that the “front line of defence at the eighth busiest airport in the world… is attracted to their colleagues by whistling or waving – which is absolute madness”. Neal’s urgent call for reform of the Home Office and Border Force has a long list of outstanding issues that must be addressed, particularly in the asylum accommodation plans and conditions for children brought ashore from English Channel small boats. At the time of his sacking, Neal had hoped to develop a better working relationship with James Cleverly, the current home secretary
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