This article is from the source 'independent' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/us-immigration-control-airports-uk-armed-security-clearance-cost-expense-waiting-a7831476.html

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
US immigration officers could be stationed at UK airports US immigration officers could be stationed at UK airports
(about 7 hours later)
British travellers visiting the US could undergo longer waiting times and more security after reports that US immigration officers be stationed at UK airports. Britons visiting the US could undergo longer waiting times and more security after reports that US immigration officers could be stationed at UK airports.
People boarding transatlantic flights might soon clear immigration before arriving in the US.People boarding transatlantic flights might soon clear immigration before arriving in the US.
The plan is being negotiated in Washington and Whitehall and is already underway in several Irish airports. The plan which is being negotiated in Washington and Whitehall will resemble US preclearance operations at Dublin and Shannon airports in Ireland.
A Home Office spokesperson told The Telegraph, “Discussions are ongoing with the US. A Home Office spokesperson told The Telegraph, “Discussions are ongoing with the US.”
The US Government negotiates with airports as the relevant airport would need to adapt its operations accordingly.  The US government negotiates with airports directly as each airport would need to adapt its operations accordingly. 
“However, the introduction of pre-clearance operations would also require approval by the UK Government.” “However, the introduction of preclearance operations would also require approval by the UK Government,” the Home Office added.
Airlines might be required to pay for US immigration staff and their families to live in the UK, and extra costs could then be handed down to passengers.Airlines might be required to pay for US immigration staff and their families to live in the UK, and extra costs could then be handed down to passengers.
As well as extra expense, passengers will likely be asked to turn up at the airport earlier to undergo questions from US officials in addition to the normal security checks.As well as extra expense, passengers will likely be asked to turn up at the airport earlier to undergo questions from US officials in addition to the normal security checks.
Two airports – Manchester and Edinburgh – are reportedly considering the scheme.Two airports – Manchester and Edinburgh – are reportedly considering the scheme.
It could take up to five years to be implemented, and raises questions over whether American immigration staff would be armed, a usual custom in the US.It could take up to five years to be implemented, and raises questions over whether American immigration staff would be armed, a usual custom in the US.
US Secretary of Homeland Security, John Kelly, and his predecessor, Jeh Johnson, have both publicly supported establishing pre-clearing immigration procedures in the UK as they say it could improve flight security and shorten waiting times at arrival.US Secretary of Homeland Security, John Kelly, and his predecessor, Jeh Johnson, have both publicly supported establishing pre-clearing immigration procedures in the UK as they say it could improve flight security and shorten waiting times at arrival.