David Neal’s Final Report Highlights Failures and Reluctance for Change within the Department Before His Dismissal

David Neal, the former Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration, has criticised the Home Office’s “culture of defensiveness” in his final report before being dismissed. Neal, who was fired after a dispute over security checks at airports, warned that the department was reluctant to engage with recommendations for improvement. The Home Office’s refusal to address these concerns was outlined in a series of reports published after Neal’s sacking, following months of delays.

In his annual report, covering April 2022 to March 2023, Neal described the department’s reluctance to change, stating that, “If the Home Office does not want to change, it will not.” He added that the only way to determine if change had occurred was through another inspection. Neal also expressed concern about the lack of direct engagement by some officials, citing a “culture that prioritises office-bound policy over on-the-ground experience.”

The reports highlighted issues with UK Border Force operations, such as unmanned ePassport gates and a lack of resources at arrival halls. Concerns were also raised about the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults in asylum accommodation in Northern Ireland, as well as Afghan refugees struggling to meet resettlement requirements due to undisclosed policies.

Neal’s exit came after tensions with the Home Office regarding security breaches at London City Airport, where hundreds of high-risk private jets were not properly checked. Data he provided showed alarming gaps in security, but the Home Office disputed his findings. Neal’s dismissal followed a claim by the Home Office that he had lost the confidence of Home Secretary James Cleverly.

Labour Party representatives have condemned the delayed release of these reports, labelling them a “broken borders dossier,” with shadow Home Secretary Yvette Cooper accusing the government of trying to hide their failures. However, the Home Office defended its transparency, asserting that publishing the reports demonstrated a commitment to independent oversight.

Neal, who claimed his reappointment was blocked by Number 10, had repeatedly raised concerns about delays in the publication of his reports and the lack of renewal for his contract. The Home Office assured that the hiring process for his replacement was underway and promised that the two final reports would be released within the next eight weeks.

Hunter Biden speaks on addiction, conspiracies, and his father’s involvement in business during closed-door hearing.

Hunter Biden, the son of President Joe Biden, delivered a lengthy testimony on Capitol Hill on Wednesday, defending himself against allegations linking his father to his business dealings. Speaking behind closed doors in the ongoing Republican impeachment probe, he firmly stated, “I did not involve my father in my business,” rejecting claims that he and his father had engaged in any financial transactions or foreign business activities together.

His legal representative, Abbe Lowell, addressed the press afterward, highlighting that, after hours of questioning, Republicans had failed to present any evidence linking Hunter Biden to his father’s alleged business activities. “The Republicans spent more time discussing my client’s personal addiction than addressing the core of their impeachment inquiry,” Lowell said.

Despite initially insisting on public testimony to prevent misrepresentation, Hunter Biden agreed to testify privately under negotiated conditions. The House Oversight Committee chair, James Comer, indicated that a public hearing might take place in the next phase of the investigation.

Hunter Biden’s remarks targeted what he described as a politically driven inquiry, accusing the Republicans of using distorted information to fuel false conspiracy theories. “For over a year, you have relentlessly pursued me in your partisan efforts to undermine my father, all while ignoring the facts,” he said.

A source with knowledge of Biden’s testimony later revealed that he had clarified the misunderstanding surrounding an email mentioning the “Big Guy,” suggesting that the claim of his father’s involvement was unfounded and baseless.

Hunter also addressed his personal struggles with addiction, openly discussing how he had been under the influence of drugs or alcohol when sending controversial messages and expressing regret over some actions.

Democratic lawmakers swiftly condemned the impeachment inquiry, with Rep. Eric Swalwell accusing Republicans of using personal details about Hunter’s life to discredit the Bidens instead of focusing on more pressing national issues.

The investigation, which has seen little to no evidence of corruption involving President Biden, also shifted focus to other witnesses, including Hunter’s uncle, James Biden, who similarly denied any impropriety related to his business dealings.

Hunter Biden concluded his testimony by denouncing the inquiry as a political stunt, stating, “My testimony today should end this baseless political charade and shift your focus back to real issues affecting the country.” He also spoke about the crucial role his father’s support played in his recovery from addiction, emphasising the importance of his sobriety in the face of relentless attacks from political opponents.