UK immigration minister Mike Tapp has stated that Border Force officers possess extensive statutory powers to stop and search vehicles, including buses and coaches, entering Northern Ireland. The clarification came after Democratic Unionist Party leader Gavin Robinson questioned why cross-border services were not being checked.

Robinson, the MP for East Belfast, had pressed immigration officials last week over reports that buses travelling from Dublin were not routinely stopped. Home Office officials told MPs they believed they could not lawfully stop such vehicles without Police Service of Northern Ireland involvement, and that better outcomes were achieved by focusing checks at ports and airports.

The officials also acknowledged anecdotal reports that individuals seeking asylum in the UK were being directed towards buses bound for Belfast at Dublin Airport.

In a parliamentary question, Robinson asked the Home Office to set out Border Force’s actual powers. In his response, minister Tapp confirmed that officers can stop, board, examine and search vehicles and vessels entering the UK by ship, aircraft or train. He said these powers extend to passengers on private vehicles, public transport, coaches, buses and rail services.

Tapp added that the exercise of all these powers is subject to the relevant statutory framework and operational guidance.

Robinson described the minister’s answer as an important clarification, contrasting it with earlier evidence from officials who said they lacked the necessary powers and had not requested them. He argued that public confidence in border security has been undermined.

He questioned whether the real issue is a lack of political will or insufficient resources, rather than an absence of legal authority, and said people across Northern Ireland want immigration laws enforced. He stated he had received widespread backing for his calls for proper border controls.

Robinson said he will now seek further details on how often the powers are used in Northern Ireland, what resources are available to Border Force, and whether ministers believe the current legislative framework is adequate to address illegal immigration and organised criminal gangs operating across the UK.