Long queues at Heathrow ‘damage UK’s reputation’

Immigration minister Damian Green is to be grilled by MPs about chronic queues at Heathrow Airport amid concern that the issue is doing “huge damage” to Britain’s reputation.

Home affairs select committee chairman Keith Vaz announced the move after reports of long delays at passport control again on Thursday night.

There are fears the problems are tarnishing the UK’s image, particularly with the London Olympics only three months away.

Alastair Campbell, the former Downing Street communications chief, who was caught up in the queues, tweeted: “If this is what Heathrow T5 border queue is like on an average Thursday, Olympic athletes should think about coming soon.”

Mr Vaz said the issue was of “great concern” and needed to be addressed irrespective of the Olympics.

“Huge damage is done to our country’s reputation,” he said.

“The government has a choice either to increase the number of staff at the airports or to restart the suspension of the checks.

“This needs to be done irrespective of the Olympics. This is not an Olympics issue.

“It is about ensuring that Heathrow is a world-class airport every day of the year.”