May consolidates her position as border row dies down

Wednesday, 16 November 2011 9:48 AM

By Ian Dunt Follow @IanDunt

Theresa May's chances of surviving the border checks row were significantly improved today after the former head of UK Border Force admitted he should have checked her awareness of health and safety policy.

Brodie Clark, who gave devastating evidence to the home affairs committee yesterday, admitted he should have made sure Ms May was aware of the system whereby fingerprint checks were paused when queues became dangerously long.

"I'm surprised they didn't know that it was happening," he told the Today programme.

"Perhaps I should have more thoroughly checked what the home secretary knew or did not know."

He added: "I didn't think for a minute they would object under those circumstances."

The fingerprint decision does not feature in a 2007 guidance document which allowed the relaxation of checks on European Economic Area passengers against the warnings index of terrorists and criminals, but it was acted on at least 164 times.

New UK Border Agency boss Rob Whiteman told MPs he was concerned the policy was being implemented more often than strictly required yesterday but Mr Clark insisted he was comfortable with its use – particularly because it allowed border staff to focus on higher risk elements.

"I am satisfied that he has a very responsible approach to the use of that policy," Mr Clark said.

The former UK Border Force head said he expected Ms May to have been briefed on the tactic when she took up the role of home secretary.

Mr Clark is suing for constructive dismissal. Yesterday, he accused the home secretary of ruining his reputation after several decades in the civil service.

Today's quotes bring Mr Clark's account of events closer to Ms May's, allowing her to dodge accusations of having lied to parliament.

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• theresa may