Britain on Wednesday published draft proposals on new border controls that call for greater protection from bio-security threats and fewer checks on some types of imports to ease the flow of trade.

"The publication of our draft Border Target Operating Model is a huge step forward for the safety, security and efficiency of our borders," Lucy Neville-Rolfe, minister of state at the Cabinet Office, said.

"Our proposals strike a balance between giving consumers and businesses confidence while reducing the costs and friction for businesses, which in turn will help to grow the economy."