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e Border legislation letter to MPs

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Suggested text for letter to your MP

Dear ..... ,

I am writing to you in connection with the e-Borders system currently being developed by the Borders Agency and the Home Office, and being put into operation in 2009/2010.

The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) has been in recently received communications from the Borders Agency regarding the application of the scheme to recreational boaters. The information received indicates that the plans for application of e-Borders to recreational boaters have not yet been given sufficient thought.

I believe that the Home Office should consult further with the RYA to arrive at an effective system that will not:

  • impose unfair or unreasonable restrictions on boaters [many boaters do not have access to the internet at their point of departure, but already notify HM Coastguard of their passages by VHF or telephone]
  • criminalise law-abiding citizens when they take action in the face
    of adverse conditions [boaters may not be able to maintain their ETA, may need to divert for reasons of safety, and may be unable to communicate this in advance]
  • impact on the safety of navigation [by requiring boaters to follow less-safe courses of action]

It is possible that for recreational boating the border security programme should be intelligence-led rather than dependent on blanket monitoring.

I hope that you will support efforts to ensure that the Borders Agebcy consult adequately to develop a satisfactory plan that is commensurate with the borders risks associated with recreational boating.

 

Yours ....