Passengers entering the UK through air and seaports continued to face delays this morning as an IT glitch struck the Border Defence computer system.

Border guards were unable to scan passports, being forced to input data manually, from late last night, with long queues developing at Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted and Birmingham airports.

Seaports at Dover and Southampton were also affected.

A statement from immigration minister James Brokenshire this morning said: “The current situation is much improved and we are doing our best to keep waiting times to a minimum during this morning’s busy period.

“We apologise for any delays but security must remain our priority at all times.”

The delays had a particular impact on non-EU passengers, with extra Border Force staff were called in to try to reduce the queuing time.