Shadow Home Secretary Slams French Identity Card Plan

Shadow Home Secretary Warns Jersey's French ID Scheme Could Undermine UK Border Security

Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp has raised alarm over Jersey’s decision to allow French day-trippers entry using national ID cards rather than passports, warning that the policy could pose a serious risk to UK border security.

The Jersey States Assembly last week unanimously voted to continue the scheme, which facilitates short-term visits from nearby French travellers without requiring a passport—contrary to standard UK immigration practices.

Speaking out against the move, Philp described the scheme as a “glaring loophole” in the Common Travel Area and warned it could become a “dangerous backdoor” into mainland Britain.

“This arrangement undermines our national immigration rules,” he said. “The government’s primary duty is to protect our borders. Ministers must urgently clarify what safeguards are in place to prevent the system being exploited.”

The concerns come amid continuing discussions between Jersey officials and UK ministers. Jersey’s Home Affairs Minister, Deputy Mary Le Hegarat, confirmed that she had received correspondence from her UK counterparts, though the contents of the letter have not yet been disclosed. The BBC has requested access to the communication.

While the UK Home Office acknowledged the issue, a spokesperson noted that the Crown Dependencies operate under self-governing authority, with their own immigration controls: “Crown Dependencies are self-governing, with their own immigration requirements which we cannot comment on.”

Le Hegarat responded to the criticism by underlining the close cooperation with UK authorities. “We’ve had ongoing formal engagement on this matter with the UK government since 2023,” she said. “With the States Assembly’s backing, I will continue to engage with UK ministers to ensure we maintain the scheme with appropriate safeguards.”

She declined to elaborate further while discussions are ongoing.

Meanwhile, Guernsey has yet to decide on the future of its own ID card scheme for French visitors. However, the island’s Committee for Home Affairs is reportedly considering whether to extend the arrangement.

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