arch/ive/ief (2000 - 2005)

Home Office Minister Beverley Hughes said:

"This is the first time the UK has deployed detection equipment outside France and shows the significant progress we are making to secure our borders. It sends a strong signal to criminal gangs and would-be illegal immigrants that the UK's borders have moved abroad to stop illegal entrants before they reach the UK.

"We are working closely with the Belgian government to ensure the UK is protected from those who want to abuse our immigration system and we intend to extend this technology right along the North European coastline to protect the integrity of our borders.

"Since 1 January 2003, more than 2,500 people have been prevented from travelling illegally to the UK as a result of new detection technology and improved cooperation between the UK Immigration Service, French port operators and ferry companies. I intend to build on that success, which is why we are now taking pre-emptive action to secure our borders with Belgium.

"Moving UK border controls abroad is a key part of our strategy to cut abuse of the immigration system. This follows Sangatte - previously a one-way ticket to the UK - being reduced to a pile of rubble and securing the Channel Tunnel last year. As these measures begin to bite, the numbers of asylum applications are falling - by 32 per cent in the first quarter of 2003.

"But we are not complacent and are currently considering further legislation to tackle abuse of the appeals system and deal with those who deliberately dispose of their documents."

One heartbeat detector is in use from today at Ostend and thermal imaging equipment is already operating at Zeebrugge, providing formidable obstacles to clandestines at both ports.

Notes to editors:

1. On 26 September 2002 an agreement was reached with the Belgians to allow additional security equipment at Zeebrugge and Ostend to be made available in a flexible way in response to a changing situation.

2. Similar technology already operates in France at Calais and Coquelles ports and in the UK at Dover.

3. The Home Office is deploying three types of technology in Belgium:

* Passive Milimetric Wave Imager (PMMWI) - this is a new technology that uses natural background radiation and thermal imaging techniques to screen vehicles, thereby providing a basic image of the interior of the trailor. The PMMWI is in place at Zeebrugge port, with the agreement of P&O.
* Heartbeat Detector (HBD) - this uses acoustic sensors linked to a portable computer that can identify a human heartbeat when placed on the chassis of a stationary vehicle. Later this year, a second heartbeat detector will be operating at Ostend and Zeebrugge port will have three working heartbeat detectors.
* X/Gamma Ray Scanner - this technology uses thermal imaging to produce a picture depicting the contents of the target vehicle on a computer screen. This image is then checked for any hidden cargo such as people, cigarettes or other contraband. The scanner is mobile so can be used at either port and will be operating by Autumn.

4. The Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act received Royal Assent on 7 November 2002 (Home Office press notice 294/02).