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The new plans are for the introduction of armed US immigration officers at UK airports. The change would mean that transatlantic passengers would have to clear immigration before boarding an aircraft. Airlines, under the plans, may be forced to pay for US security staff and their families to live in the UK.

GETTY Britons travelling to the US could face higher air fares, under new plans

It is likely that airlines would pass the extra costs on to passengers travelling from Britain to the US, according to reports. Passengers would also be likely to be asked to arrive earlier at airports for flights because they would have to undergo questioning by US security in addition to usual checks. The plans are being discussed in Washington and Whitehall, with officials understood to be negotiating over the practicalities.

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GETTY Questions still remain over who will pay for the officers to live in the UK

Both Manchester Airport and Edinburgh Airport are said to be interested in the programme. Heathrow is reported to believe the practicalities of bringing US immigration officials into the airport are insuperable. Gatwick declared that it had “no plans” to participate in the scheme.

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GETTY The plans are being discussed in Washington and Whitehall