Airport borders not working properly, sacked immigration watchdog found

The UK's border defenses were scrutinized as being ineffective and inefficient in an unpublished report from the ousted immigration oversight authority.

Ex-immigration chief David Neal's analysis criticized ineffective staffing at e-passport gates, where officials were found inattentive and ill-equipped. These issues were among concerns in 13 reports, which were delayed for nine months contrary to the standard eight-week release timeframe. MPs have denounced the delay.

Neal's dismissal came following media revelations of his findings. Nevertheless, the Home Office insists on its transparency, citing the recent release of the delayed reports and committing to two additional reports soon.

Neal had labelled the immigration system a crisis requiring urgent reform and criticized the Home Office for failing to manage the rising backlog of asylum cases.

In particular, he noted a disturbing trend of hastily withdrawn asylum cases without proper checks. Moreover, he revealed a lack of inspections on high-risk private jets and bemoaned the mishandling of Afghan evacuees after the Taliban's resurgence.

His sacking was attributed to violating terms of his role by leaking data. Neal, defending his conduct, claimed he was removed for fulfilling his duties and stood by his report, especially regarding private jets.

Opposition voices, such as Labour's Yvette Cooper, accused the government of concealing critical border security flaws, while the Home Office and Downing Street claimed diligent intentions behind the report release delays.

The search for Neal's successor is currently underway, according to the Home Office, which also emphasizes its commitment to independent scrutiny and intends to publish all remaining reports.