British passengers to US could PAY MORE as White House seeks armed officers at UK airports
BRITONS travelling to the US could face higher air fares and extra security before boarding flights, under new plans.
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The new plans are for the introduction of armed US immigration officers at UK airports.
The change would mean that transatlantic passengers would have to clear immigration before boarding an aircraft.
Airlines, under the plans, may be forced to pay for US security staff and their families to live in the UK.
Britons travelling to the US could face higher air fares, under new plans
It is likely that airlines would pass the extra costs on to passengers travelling from Britain to the US, according to reports.
Passengers would also be likely to be asked to arrive earlier at airports for flights because they would have to undergo questioning by US security in addition to usual checks.
The plans are being discussed in Washington and Whitehall, with officials understood to be negotiating over the practicalities.
Questions still remain over who will pay for the officers to live in the UK
Both Manchester Airport and Edinburgh Airport are said to be interested in the programme.
Heathrow is reported to believe the practicalities of bringing US immigration officials into the airport are insuperable.
Gatwick declared that it had “no plans” to participate in the scheme.
The plans are being discussed in Washington and Whitehall
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The scheme would enable passengers to avoid some of immigration delays that are common at US airports because they would be treated as if they had taken a domestic flight when they arrived in the US.
Questions still remain over who will pay for the officers to live in the UK and over whether they will actually be armed.
The Home Office said: “Discussions are ongoing with the US. The US Government negotiates with airports as the relevant airport would need to adapt its operations accordingly. However, the introduction of pre-clearance operations would also require approval by the UK Government.”
It could take up to five years before US immigration officers arrive in Britain, it has been reported.