11-11-03

Barrett calls for Commons debate on Edinburgh Airport security failure

John Barrett, Scottish Liberal Democrat MP for Edinburgh West, today raised concern over reports that Edinburgh Airport in his constituency had failed an undercover Government security test.

Plain-clothes officers from the Department of Transport reportedly got "bomb like objects" past security guards and through the X-ray scanning equipment. It follows a similar test some years ago when explosives were carried through security without being detected.

In response to this, John Barrett, whose Edinburgh West constituency includes the airport, has written to the Speaker of the House of Commons, asking for a parliamentary debate to discuss airport security. He has also written to the Director of BAA at Edinburgh Airport, asking for an urgent meeting.

In a statement, John Barrett said:

"Following the events of September 11th, we were promised that no expense would be spared in providing the highest levels of security at our airports. The tighter controls even resulted in higher prices for passengers. However, the failure to pass this latest test raises a major question mark over the effectiveness of the security at Edinburgh Airport.

"I pass through the airport at least twice a week on my way to and from London and know that the staff take security very seriously. However, any weaknesses in the system need to be resolved quickly to ensure Edinburgh Airport and the wider City have the best possible standards of security."

ENDS