Home Office preparations for Brexit inquiry

Background The Home Affairs Committee last reported in December on its ongoing overarching inquiry into 'Home Office delivery of Brexit'. Since the Government’s response to that report, Parliament has rejected the negotiated Withdrawal Agreement and Political Declaration and a new Prime Minister and Home Secretary have taken office. The Committee intends to examine the current state of Home Office preparations for Brexit in all scenarios. This includes the possibility of updating the committee's scrutiny of Government readiness across customs operations, security co-operation and citizens' rights in the event of a no-deal exit. It also includes examining alternative policy options that the Government and Parliament may need to consider in the run up to 31 October, including technological and other solutions at the border as an alternative to the existing Northern Ireland 'backstop', as well as arrangements with the EU and Member States to protect citizens' rights in all circumstances. Terms of Reference Written evidence is invited on, but need not be restricted to, the following issues: The current state of readiness of Home Office operations for a no-deal exit, across customs operations, security co-operation and citizens' rights. Proposals for the protection of the rights of EU citizens here and UK citizens in the EU in the event of no Withdrawal Agreement being approved. The potential for technological and other alternative arrangements to be deployed, both as an alternative to the existing Northern Ireland 'backstop’' and to improve UK border operations in the event of a no-deal. The possible impact of a no-deal Brexit on border and security operations at key locations, such as the Port of Dover, Heathrow airport and the Irish border.