article_snippet: Families crossing the Channel by Eurotunnel or ferry face Easter misery after ministers insisted on introducing new exit checks during one of the busiest getaways of the year.
article_snippet: Ministers insist that knowing who is leaving the country is vital for counting the number of immigrants in Britain Britain and fighting crime and terrorism.
article_snippet: But even though no checks have taken place over the past 17 years, the Home Office decided the best date to reinstate no checks should be on the second week in April – when vast numbers of Britons head to the continent during the Easter school break.
article_snippet: Quizzed a third time, Immigration Minister James Brokenshire said: ‘
article_snippet: Despite the inconvenience caused by the checks, the Home Office will still not have a full picture of who is in the country.
highlights_snippet: Unpopular new measure to be introduced at British borders in Easter break .
  
highlights_snippet: Eurotunnel chief said Eurotunnel chief could push border management 'beyond capacity'
  
highlights_snippet: But ministers say Eurotunnel chief is vital for counting the number of immigrants in Britain .