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Last week saw the merger of Immigration, HM Revenue and Customs and Visa staff to create a new UK Border Immigration Agency (UKBA) in an attempt to strengthen the country's borders. The agency brings together 25,000 staff working at ports and border locations and in communities in 135 countries. The Home Office says 1,000 officers will be extended immigration and customs powers over the coming months and staff in England and Wales  will be given "police-like" powers.

However, the Conservative Party has accused the government of "hyping up" the changes and claims it is the same people doing the same jobs under a different name. When Commercial Motor asked the Home Office about the UKBA's powers, it was unable say which, if any, of these are new and in addition to the powers previously held by the various groups that have now been amalgamated. Home Secretary Jacqui Smith says the new agency will "help strengthen protection of our border. With tough customs, immigration and police-like powers, UKBA officers will be better equipped than ever to guard our ports and airports, and protect the country from illegal immigration, organised crime and terrorism."

The agency will work closely with police stationed at the ports and will include a single border intelligence service. But Shadow Home Secretary David Davis  says: "This is simply the same porous arrangements - which have failed to secure our borders - with a new name.

"In contrast, we would establish a dedicated border force with proper police powers to secure our borders and tackle crime, from human trafficking to drug smuggling."

The Freight Transport Association welcomes the move. Donald Armour, manager of international affairs, says: "It's an opportunity to streamline the various controls at the border crossings." He adds: "Provided they pull all their data streams together, we are happy to give them what they want to know. In return, we want our international members, reputable guys, to not get held up, to be recognised by officials and to get a green light."