Andrew Palmer: Zimbabwe's problems will outlast Mugabe

Andrew Palmer, who works at the Parliamentary Resources Unit providing briefings for Conservative MPs on work and pensions, recounts a recent visit to Zimbabwe.

It was with some apprehension that we approached the Zimbabwe border. The trip had been on my mind for some time. What would we find, who would we meet and, most importantly, how would two British nationals be received?

The country’s border is apparent many miles before you reach it. The queues of lorries stack up as far as the eye can see. Carrying much-needed resources, the drivers sit and wait as the laboriously slow checks are completed. Many of them face delays of months before they reach their final destination.

The sight of our British passports brings raised looks from the stern immigration officer. With suspicion, he carries out his examination, pausing frequently to question our intentions.