The straight-talking former Labour home secretary John Reid memorably declared the Home Office not fit for purpose. Referring specifically to the immigration directorate, he said: “It is inadequate in terms of its scope, it is inadequate in terms of its information technology, leadership, management systems and processes.”
That was 2006, but the words may well be ringing in the ears of the incoming Labour home secretary, almost certainly Yvette Cooper, when they enter the Home Office next week.
