The UK’s former chief inspector of border security has accused the government of covering up his allegations that the Border Force failed to adequately screen business aircraft arriving at London City Airport (EGLC). In a report presented to parliament, David Neal highlighted what he said were failings in how flights categorized as “high risk” were screened at the airport-owned Private Jet Centre FBO, indicating that officials were at times under-resourced and had not been provided with sufficiently clear guidance and training.
In February, UK Home Secretary James Cleverly fired Neal for allegedly breaching “the terms of his appointment.” The government has yet to appoint a successor to the role, which is supposed to provide independent oversight of border security arrangements. Media coverage around Neal's departure and the concerns he has raised appears to have fueled a perception that private aviation, which is already the focus of adverse attention over environmental issues, might be enjoying unwarranted leeway in how it operates.
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