Tony Smith CBE

Tony Smith CBE has spent more than forty years at the centre of British and international border management. Beginning his career on the frontline of the UK Immigration Service, he progressed through senior operational and policy roles to become Head of the UK Border Force, giving him an exceptional perspective on how Britain's immigration and border systems have evolved.

His career encompassed periods of enormous change: the transformation of immigration controls, international terrorism and the security response following 9/11, increasingly sophisticated international travel, European free movement, the development of modern border technology and the restructuring of Britain's border agencies.

Smith was closely involved in preparations for the London 2012 Olympic Games, regularly briefing Home Secretary Theresa May and attending COBRA meetings during the Games period as part of the government's work to maintain secure and effective border operations. He was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2013 New Year Honours for his services to border security during London 2012.

His expertise extended well beyond Britain. Robert Bonner, former Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, recalls working with Smith following 9/11 on the US-Canadian Smart Border Accords, and describes him as one of the world's foremost authorities on border management and controls.

Smith's memoir, Changing Borders: A Kingdom Unlocked, brings that experience together in a personal history of Britain's changing borders. It examines the practical realities behind immigration control, security and government policy while also telling the story of the people charged with implementing them.

The authority of the book is reflected in an exceptional group of commendations. Former Prime Minister and Home Secretary Theresa May describes Smith as exceptionally well qualified to explore both the practical and policy questions surrounding borders. Sir Mark Sedwill, former Cabinet Secretary and National Security Adviser, calls the book a candid account from someone who rose from the frontline to the top of the Border Force. Other commendations come from Daily Telegraph Home Affairs Editor Charles Hymas, author and commentator David Goodhart, and former U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Robert Bonner.

Today, Changing Borders provides an informed historical and professional perspective on questions that remain central to public discussion: UK border security, asylum and migration, immigration policy, international cooperation and the challenge of maintaining borders that are both secure and workable.

Commendations

Changing Borders: A Kingdom Unlocked has been commended by senior figures in British government, national security, journalism and international border management.

       “I can think of no better person to write about the subject.”  Theresa May - former Prime               Minister and Home Secretary.

        May highlights Tony Smith's extensive experience of borders in Britain and internationally,   

        and recommends the book to readers interested in both the practical and policy questions  

        surrounding border management.

Sir Mark Sedwill - former Cabinet Secretary and National Security Adviser
Sedwill describes Changing Borders as a candid account from someone whose career took him from frontline immigration work to the leadership of the Border Force, encompassing many of the major changes in British border management.

Robert Bonner - former Commissioner, U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Bonner recalls working with Smith on international border-security cooperation following 9/11 and identifies him as a leading authority on border management and controls.

The book has also received commendations from Charles Hymas, Home Affairs Editor of The Daily Telegraph, and journalist and author David Goodhart, further reflecting its relevance to contemporary discussion of immigration, security and the management of national borders.