HowardC wrote:...
It made me wonder whether it was a jobsworth or whether our Border Force/Police were entitled to ask such questions. We’ve nothing to hide and answered truthfully but it left us both feeling quite uncomfortable.
We both were born in the UK and have British passports which entitle us to freedom of movement across Europe. I really cannot see why I must explain on departure why I’m traveling and exactly where I propose going. Are there any forum folk who can shed light on why or whether “they” can do this?
It has happened to me. First time was in the late 90s. It can be a little un-nerving first time and I was doing nothing wrong and had nothing to hide.
They are not being jobsworths, they are just doing their job or maybe doing training.
People voted for more control of our borders. There are 2 options.... give everyone a stop and questioning, or do a sample of the people with that old problem of who to pick.
Remember criminals, smugglers and terrorists can be British born and/or have British passports (real/fake), and can look like ordinary people. Freedom of movement has nothing to do with it. They might have picked you at random, or on gut instinct or for a variety of other reasons that they are not going to tell you. It is all about policing our borders.
Someone else commented how laid back the French customs are in comparison. I can assure you that is not always the case.
Oh and how long they take is up to them... if you dig your heels in and give them attitude you are not helping the situation.