Virtual strip search concerns raised in Strasbourg
Posted, October 21, 2008 @ 14:00
Conservatives compel European Commission to answer privacy and dignity fears
Strasbourg, 21st October 2008 – A proposal to introduce body scanners at European airports – which show a person’s naked image and genitalia – raises serious concerns about human rights, privacy and personal dignity, Philip Bradbourn MEP, Conservative justice and home affairs spokesman, will say tonight.
Mr Bradbourn has secured a debate in the parliament, in which the commissioner will hear MEPs’ concerns over the scanners being used as an additional security check, and to clarify the measures that will be put in place to protect personal data.
Mr Bradbourn will also demand the commission submit the proposals to full scrutiny. Currently, they intend to insert body scanners in the so-called comitology procedure – without a vote in the parliament, and negating the UK government’s ability to object.
Mr Bradbourn said:
“Many travellers will consider these scanners an enormous intrusion.
“There may be some benefit in having body scanners in our airports, but they should be a last resort and a substitution for a strip search, not a random sample of innocent holiday-makers.
“The European Commission is attempting to introduce these measures without consulting national governments or MEPs, and that is simply unacceptable given the considerable concerns.
“There is a growing anxiety that the EU is seen as a tool for challenging basic liberties, without the usual scrutiny and accountability provided at the ballot box.”