Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Airport Security Scanners

Thursday 14 December 2023 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Secretary of State has visited multiple airports to discuss upgrading airport security and has met with Heathrow's chief executive recently.
  • The Minister acknowledges that the new security technology will bring significant benefits, including the end of the requirement to place liquids in plastic bags.
  • Airports are concerned about potential delays if the scanners are introduced simultaneously across all terminals.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Iain Stewart Con
Transport
Context

Discussions are ongoing about the introduction of new security scanners in airports by June 2024.

Question

What recent discussions has he had with airport operators on the introduction of new security scanners by June 2024?

Answer from Anthony Browne

The Secretary of State has visited many airports to discuss upgrading airport security, seen new security equipment in operation, and met Heathrow's chief executive recently. He will continue these discussions, including a meeting with representatives from the aviation sector soon and one with the Airport Operators Association immediately after this session.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specifics on whether the June 2024 deadline will be met and concrete commitments to address airport concerns about delays.

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Q2 Iain Stewart Con
Transport
Context

New technology is being introduced for improved security and passenger experience, but there are concerns about potential delays if implemented suddenly.

Question

He welcomes the Minister to his new role. He notes that the new technology will greatly improve the passenger experience at airport security, such as eliminating the need for plastic bags for liquids. Airports are worried about potential delays if the scanners are introduced all at once for every passenger. The questioner urges the Minister to discuss phased implementation with airport operators.

Answer from Anthony Browne

The Minister thanks the Chair and notes that the technology will bring huge benefits, including the end of putting liquids into plastic bags. Implementation is already being phased in with many airports having trialled the scanners and successfully phasing them in towards a June 2024 deadline.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specifics on addressing airport concerns about delays, commitments to further discussions on this issue.

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