The Future UK Border

The UK border is the front door to the world. It should use the latest technology to provide the utmost security, while enabling frictionless travel and trade.

The UK Government has made these aims a key plank of its vision for a thriving nation during the Brexit negotiations and beyond. Identifying how this is achieved is crucial for its implementation in the coming years.

For traders and travellers, the border should be as virtual as possible, while maintaining confidence levels. This is as much the case for the £120 billion handled at Dover port each year, as the 30,000 people crossing the Irish border each day. Traders and travellers can electronically share information with security pre-arrival, including customs declarations, to allow entry in seconds. Better data allows the UK border force to identify threats to the country, with better technology allowing security forces to assess suspect cargo, through x-ray machines and artificial intelligence.

Reform was delighted to convene a panel of parliamentarians and other experts to explore the opportunities for digital borders to meet the Government’s aim of a “truly Global Britain”. Panelists included:

• Tony Smith CBE is a leading authority on developing the next generation of the UK borders, with direct experience of implementing these approaches in government.
• Gavin Robinson MP, Member for Belfast East, Shadow DUP Spokesperson for Defence and member of the Defence Select Committee.
• Maisie Borrows is a Researcher at Reform with expertise in identity management and the author of the Reform report Digital Borders
• Tim Ellis, Director, Government Services, KBR

The event was attended by a group of 50 high-level decision-makers and key stakeholders in the debate, including policymakers, industry representatives and other experts. It took place on Tuesday 14 November 2017 at 17:00 for 17:30 – 18:45 at the House of Commons.

This event was held in partnership with KBR: