FULL DEBATE IS NEEDED ON BODY SCANNER USE INSTEAD OF CURRENT BULL IN A CHINA SHOP APPROACH SAYS TORY LEADER IN BRUSSELS
Posted, February 02, 2010 @ 00:00
Brussels 2 February 2010. An urgent full debate in Westminster and Brussels is needed on the efficacy of body scanners and the manner in which they are to be used at airports, Timothy Kirkhope MEP the Conservative Leader in Brussels said today.
Mr Kirkhope's call comes as both Heathrow and Manchester began using their new scanners this week, with Birmingham due to follow suit later this month.
In a statement from Brussels Mr Kirkhope said,
"Body scanners are being brought in without adequate public or parliamentary consultation both in Brussels and Westminster. Whilst I am not against their use and the need to give security to travellers, I have concerns about the 'bull in a china shop' approach currently being adopted and promoted by the UK Government.
Who pays for these machines? The airports and the Government have yet to agree. We are also alienating more and more passengers, and drawing flak from civil liberties groups without having had the opportunity to debate the efficacy of the proposed body scanners or how they are to be used. This is unacceptable."