Britain’s National Audit Office says smugglers and other organized criminals are likely to exploit gaps in border enforcement if the country leaves the European Union without an agreement because necessary preparations may not be completed in time.
The watchdog says in a report published Wednesday that political uncertainty and delays in negotiations with the EU have hampered preparations, and the government is now racing to bolster computer systems, increase border staffing and build new infrastructure to track goods.
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The office says 11 of 12 major projects may not be delivered on time or at “acceptable quality,” with those who rely on the border “paying the price.”
The report adds that “organized criminals and others are likely to be quick to exploit any perceived weaknesses or gaps in the enforcement regime.”