SHOULD BRITAIN HAVE TIGHTENED BORDER SECURITY YEARS AGO?

Chief constables believe the "risks and complexities" of securing our ports and airports are too great for the new UK Border Agency and a separate police force is also needed.

It is an embarrassment for Home Secretary Jacqui Smith who has faced criticism for not including police officers in the Agency set up in April, which merged Customs and immigration staff.

But police chiefs do not want to merge with UKBA, calling instead for a 3,000-strong force with the sole task of protecting our borders.

So do you think Britain should have a border police force? Do we need tighter border security? Should we have clamped down years ago?

HAVE YOUR SAY!