Wednesday 2nd May 2012 | 16:39
Chris Bryant: Far from getting a grip it looks as if the Borders chaos is spreading to other ports
Chris Bryant, Shadow Immigration Minister, said:
"After seeing queues at Heathrow, with people waiting over two hours to pass through the UK Border, we now are seeing that these problems aren't just confined to Heathrow or airports for that matter but are spreading. The reports that motorists are being forced to queue back on to French motorways while waiting to enter the Eurotunnel confirms what we have said all along - you simply cannot cut the number of staff at the border without effecting the quality of the service that UK Border Force officers are able to provide.
"Far from getting a grip it looks as if this problem is spreading. A problem created by the Home Secretary, ignored by the Immigration Minister and not resolved by the Prime Minister. This government's usual level of incompetence is not good enough when it comes to our borders.
"Damian Green and Theresa May have shown phenomenal complacency throughout this crisis and it's about time they started to listen to those that make the point that for necessary security to be guaranteed, staffing levels need to be maintained. There is little point shuffling dwindling numbers of staff from pillar to post. They must get a grip."