The so-called Lille loophole which allows illegal immigrants to enter the UK from Brussels can easily be closed by placing obligations on Eurostar, rather than negotiating with the Belgian and French authorities, Timothy Kirkhope MEP, Conservative home affairs spokesman in the European Parliament and former UK immigration minister, said today.

 

UK border staff are powerless to demand a passport from passengers who board the Eurostar at Brussels with a ticket to the French town of Lille, because it is in the Schengen border-free zone. However, a passenger staying on the train could theoretically travel through to London unchecked. 

 

Mr Kirkhope said: "UK border agency staff know what they are looking for at St Pancras even if every passport is not checked. However, the fact that this loophole has been a problem for a decade is a real concern and we must take action to close it.

 

"Realistically, I doubt the French will feel they have the resources to effectively police our border for us, particularly considering the pressures they face from the Arab Spring. Therefore, the only alternative is to demand that Eurostar takes action.

 

"Airlines are liable if they allow someone to travel without the correct documentation. The same stipulation should be placed on Eurostar so that they are required to find a solution. For example, all passengers with Lille tickets could be held in a specific carriage. Tickets could be re-checked between Lille and the Channel Tunnel and anybody found to be without a valid ticket should be thrown off at Calais Frethun station like they would be if they fare-dodged on any other train. We do not want to make travel more complicated but we should encourage Eurostar to find common sense solutions." 

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