John Leech MP

"Holidaymakers may be terrorist targets - even before they've left the airport" - John Leech MP

4.18.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 26th Jul 2007

Lib Dem Shadow Transport Spokesperson, John Leech MP, has warned that extensive security checks at airports could create a new target for terrorists.

John Leech and the influential Transport Select Committee have highlighted the risks of large queues of people becoming targets for terrorists. Security experts also joined the calls for security and check-in procedures to be speedier.

Airport

The slow security procedures at airports could increase the risks to passengers in check-in halls.

"It may seem like a catch-22 situation but we have to balance these risks," said John Leech MP. "There is nothing to stop terrorists walking in to check-in halls with a bomb and injuring or killing hundreds or even thousands of people.

"The recent attacks on Glasgow airport need to be a wake-up call. We're not calling for a reduction in security measures, but an increase in efficiency.

"We can often become too caught up in reducing the risks to passengers when they are actually on board aircraft," John continued. "This is only worthwhile if it means that we aren't creating a security threat somewhere else along the line."

"Gordon Brown has finally backed the Lib Dem policy of a unified border force to tackle terrorism at airports," said John Leech MP. "But he has still refused to include police in the new border force despite them being essential in our effort to prevent terrorism."

<<ENDS>>

The Eighth Report of Session 2006-07 of the House of Commons Transport Select Committee on Passengers' Experiences of Air Travel, was published on 19th July 2007.

For the full text of the Report, please see http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200607/cmselect/cmtran/435/43502.htm

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