This followed Labour Home Secretary John Reid's 2006 declaration that the Home Office's immigration directorate was "not fit for purpose".

BBC: UK Border Agency 'not good enough' and being scrapped

Home Office Immigration and Nationality Directorate.

BBC: Human Traffic

In 2006, the National Probation Directorate (NPD), advised the Home Office that it was urgent the project should cease.

BBC: Community service plan 'failing'