‘Dad’s Army’ could patrol ports

A ‘DAD’S Army’ of volunteers could be deployed to patrol unguarded areas of the coastline against terrorists, people smugglers and organised crime gangs.

The ‘Special Volunteer Force’ will police small air and sea ports under plans being considered by the Government.

It is understood they will have no powers to interrogate or arrest suspects. But they would be used to bolster Border Force staffing levels amid fears that landing on small unmanned ports may be an option for returning jihadi fighters.

A pilot scheme with 50 volunteers will patrol England’s east coast with plans for the initiative to be expanded to Britain’s 7,000 miles of coastline, it was claimed.

Mark Serwotka, head of the Public and Commercial Services union, which represents Border Force staff, said: ‘They are making our borders weaker with the use of casual labour and they are risking this country’s security on the cheap.’

Dover MP Charlie Elphicke, whose constituency covers one of Britain’s largest ports, urged caution with the scheme, telling The Mail on Sunday: ‘We can’t have a Dad’s Army-type of set-up.’

Tory MP David Davies defended the plans, saying: ‘We already use volunteers in the fire service, in the military and in the police. There is a role for people who want to volunteer.’

A Home Office spokesman said: ‘Border Force is currently considering the potential benefits of a Special Volunteer Force, and is in discussions with other law enforcement agencies such as local police to understand how they use volunteers in addition to their workforce.’