EXIT CONTROLS KEY PART OF BORDER PROTECTION

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 1st Jul 2008

Commenting on today's Tory proposals aimed at increasing border security, Liberal Democrat Shadow Home Secretary, Chris Huhne said:

"It is flattering that the Tories have copied our ground-breaking plans for a National Border Force.

"But they are silent on the need to reintroduce exit checks if we are to get a grip on migration chaos.

"Since exit controls were abolished by the Tories in 1994, we no longer know who has left the country, and cannot ensure that short-term entry visas are respected."