The UK’s borders are not ready for Brexit and a lack of time to prepare could lead to immigration backlogs, MPs have warned.

A report by the select committee of home affairs has raised concerns about the border force, which it says is already stretched because of “inadequate resources” and will be under more pressure because of new immigration checks for EU nationals and customs changes.

It warns that additional pressure on staff could lead to a collapse, undermining faith in the system. The report comes amid growing concern about how the Home Office is going to cope with Brexit, after critics said the department has a poor track record implementing new IT systems on time and on budget.

There have also been claims that the border force is understaffed and that new recruits will only cover those who have already left, not add to the workforce in time for the UK’s departure from the union.

The report, published today, said a delay in publishing a White Paper on the Government’s immigration policy after Brexit is causing concern for millions of EU citizens already living here and called for ministers to set out a plan urgently.