Powers to direct suspension of port operations
- Protecting the border is a key priority for Government. In the event that there is a real and significant risk that, due directly or indirectly to the COVID-19 pandemic, there are, or will be, insufficient Border Force resources available to maintain adequate border security, the Act enables steps to be taken to ensure that arrivals are directed to key locations where there will be sufficient Border Force officers to process them.
- Specifically, the Act provides powers for the Secretary of State to direct a port operator (i.e. a person concerned in the management of a port) to suspend relevant operations, partially or wholly. The power also provides for the Secretary of State to issue consequential directions to other parties if the Secretary of State considers it appropriate in connection with the primary direction.
