To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to the Answer of 12 December 2017 to Question 118324, for what reasons no reference was made to the evidential basis for the recruitment of an additional 300 Border Force officers.

The Government has been clear that the 300 Border Force officers being recruited ahead of EU exit will undertake work to prepare the current workforce for any changes. This number will ensure a degree of additional operational coverage across regions, with the ability to flex to priority locations, to enable the existing workforce to be trained in new processes.

This number is subject to review. Border Force monitors workflows to ensure sufficient resources are in place to meet demand and will continue to do so throughout negotiations and as the UK leaves the EU.