Can someone (who knows - no guessing please) explain the exact nature of the relationship between Luton Airport and the Govt agency handling immigration ?
The Govt Agency which carries out Passport Checks is the UK Border Agency. This is their purpose in life from their website. "The UK Border Agency is responsible for securing the UK border and controlling migration in the UK. We manage border control for the UK, enforcing immigration and customs regulations. We also consider applications for permission to enter or stay in the UK, and for citizenship and asylum".
It certainly used to be the case that Airports were obliged to provide all facilities free of charge for them. Not sure if there is a throughput fee though nowadays.
Suzeman