“They will have police-like powers, but will be restricted to immigration and Customs offences, said Mr Huhne. In theory, staff – who currently have no new uniform – can search vehicles, trains and aircraft, enter premises, seize goods and detain suspects. But it emerged yesterday that only one in 25 staff will have any powers to search and detain, although this will be extended to more officers in 2009.

“This is simply the same porous arrangements with a new name,” stormed Shadow Home Secretary David Davis.

Alan Gordon, vice-chairman of the Police Federation, said: “It is a complete nonsense that a new border force does not involve the police. 

“When the idea of a border force was first spoken about we thought it would be a new unit, not an amalgamation of existing immigration and Customs staff and a new uniform.

“This is yet another example of  this Government reforming things without properly thinking it through, or providing training and resources.” The Government also appears to be setting its sights low. Ms Smith pledged to deport 5,000 foreign criminals this year – only 800 more than the 4,200 booted out in 2007.

Targets for seizures of cocaine and heroin are also virtually identical.