The UK government is making preparations ahead of Border Force
strike action at the end of the week, including training military
personnel to step in and keep our border safe.
Since strikes, due to begin on Friday 23 December, were announced
by the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) Union, Border Force
and the government have undertaken extensive planning to minimise
the disruption this action will cause.
Thousands of people, including civil servants and military
personnel are ready to support Border Force over this period,
many of whom are sacrificing their Christmases to ensure
passenger’s travel plans are protected and they get to where they
want to be this Christmas.
The government has also been working closely with ports, airports
and the travel industry to understand the impact of strike
action, to minimise delays for passengers and ensure the flow of
goods through the border.
While the government is taking action to minimise disruption,
travellers due to arrive in the UK over the Christmas period are
warned to expect delays and disruption over the strike action
affecting border control.
Passengers should be prepared for longer wait times and should
check with their travel agents, tour operators and
airlines/carriers about possible disruptions to their journey
prior to travelling.
Our eGates will continue to function as per normal and we
encourage all those eligible to use them to do so, as the
quickest and most efficient way to pass through border control.
Steve Dann, Border Force Chief Operating Officer, said:
We apologise for any disruption caused to travellers entering the
UK.
Border Force’s number one priority to is keep our citizens safe
and borders secure. We are working together with partners across
the travel industry to ensure we can continue to meet critical
demand and support the flow of passengers and goods through our
border.
During the periods of industrial action, travellers should be
prepared for disruption.
We encourage everyone to check the latest advice from your
operators before travelling.
Notes to Editors:
Border Force Strike Dates:
- 23rd December
- 24th December
- 25th December
- 26th December (until about 7am)
- 28th December
- 29th December
- 30th December
- 31st December (until about 7am)
Border Force Strike Locations
- Birmingham Airport
- Cardiff Airport
- Gatwick Airport
- Glasgow Airport
- Heathrow Airport – Terminals 2,3,4,5
- Manchester Airport
- Port of Newhaven
Strikes are not the only factor that might cause disruption, for
example adverse weather or flight delays may impact journeys,
meaning it is essential for passengers to plan ahead and keep
up-to-date with the latest information, through relevant sources
including airport and carrier websites.
