Question to the Northern Ireland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to her oral contribution of 9 May, Official Report, column 662, what representations she has made to the Home Secretary on ensuring that the criteria applied in Northern Ireland by the UK Border Force in its recruitment drive are not discriminatory; and if she will make a statement.

Following discussions with my officials, the Home Office has confirmed that the criteria in Northern Ireland for the UK Border Force opens up the recruitment campaign to a representative profile of candidates. The Border Force has confirmed that it values the experience of people who have worked in the military and law enforcement, and that current and former members are free to apply for the Border Force recruitment campaign.