Rowen calls for drastic changes in airport security

Ahead of the Ministerial Meeting on Wednesday 30 August, Liberal Democrat Transport Spokesperson Paul Rowen MP has called for responsibility for security at airports to be transferred to the British Transport Police (BTP). 

He said: "Events over the last few weeks have demonstrated the need for clear consistent organisation at our major airports when dealing with terrorist threats.  At the moment local police forces, GMP at Manchester airport, the Met at Heathrow or Gatwick and West Yorkshire at Leeds/Bradford are responsible for policing and are paid by the airport authorities. 

"At our rail stations, Euston, Kings Cross, Edinburgh or Manchester Piccadilly one police force is in charge with a unified structure.  I believe airports would benefit from the BTP taking responsibility." 

Earlier this year, former Transport Secretary Alistair Darling MP had instigated a review of the BTP's role with some people calling for it to be amalgamated with the Met.

Paul Rowen said: "The current security situation is crying out for the expertise of the BTP, they are a dedicated police force working to maintain the smooth running of our transport system. They would provide the consistency of approach and professionalism needed to keep our airports running just like our railways stations.

"The chaos of the last few weeks was neither effective nor necessary. There are better ways and Ministers need to give these proposals serious consideration. Otherwise will we have to see the chaos of the last few weeks at our airports with every threat?"

Date article online: 25/08/2006