UK military personnel providing efficient service at strike-hit airport, Defence Secretary says

The Defence Secretary has said "overall we're not seeing any disruption here to people's travel", with the military covering for striking Border Force workers.

Ben Wallace, speaking during a visit to Manchester Airport, said it is "a good thing" that people can continue to travel thanks to the military's assistance.

"The simple reality is our borders are safe and secure," he said, countering claims that military personnel have been simply waving people through.

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"These individuals, members of the Armed Forces, that have come to help out when the strikes are on, are carrying out a very straightforward function and, of course, backed up by computer systems and scans that allow us to identify people of worry coming into the country.

"What it demonstrates is the Armed Forces are managing to substitute for striking workers on the point of entry into the UK. 

"They're using that technology... to make sure that it is run efficiently and cleanly through the system and passengers are getting the service that they expect from Manchester Airport. 

"And, I think, overall we're not seeing any disruption here to people's travel.

"It also shows that, ultimately, the Government's responsibility is to secure the border, but also to make sure people can come back, come and go about their business unhindered."

Mr Wallace's visit comes after the military has received praise from numerous places for taking the place of striking workers across the UK.

There had been fears there would be chaos at airports and ports when Border Force staff went on strike, but the evidence on the ground paints a different picture.

A spokesperson for Heathrow Airport said passengers had praised the Army personnel standing in at UK airports, saying it was quicker than usual.

Media reports also suggest that passengers at Heathrow and Gatwick airports had praised the "brilliant" military for doing their job with "record" efficiency as they covered for striking workers.

The military's role in covering the strikes had initially provoked differing opinions, with the head of the UK Armed Forces saying personnel should not be used as the "ultimate backstop" to cover striking public sector workers this Christmas.

Additionally, the head of the British Army told Forces News covering public service strikes means troops are not doing the "day job" and it sees skills "running down".

This prompted a response from Conservative back-bencher Jacob Rees-Mogg MP, who said the job of the military is to "do what they're told by the civilian authorities".