Border staff cuts ‘allow fake goods to flood UK’

THE amount of fake goods being smuggled into Britain is soaring as a result of cuts to Border Force staff, experts warn.

The number of items seized at UK ports and airports has fallen by more than 55 per cent since 2011, the AntiCounterfeiting Group says.

Fake tobacco, clothing, alcohol, footwear, electronic goods and cosmetics, largely from China, end up being sold through online marketplaces and on the high street, costing the exchequer an estimated £3.8billion a year in unpaid tax. ACG director general Phil Lewis said: ‘Our businesses, economy and consumers are under ruthless attack from international criminals. But our whole enforcement structure has been pushed to the limit.’

The Home Office said: ‘Security at the border cannot be measured by the number of staff. Border Force uses a sophisticated combination of experienced officers, intelligence, technology and partnership working to keep our borders secure.’