Most Brits back tougher security checks at airports

PA

89 per cent of people would support more stringent security checks for travellers at airports, borders and transport hubs, a survey has revealed.

64 per cent said these measures were vital ahead of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations and the London Olympics.

The survey also found that 79 per cent would like the government and security services to share information better to ensure public safety this summer.

In addition, 77 per cent said they would support the installation of body scanners and 75 per cent would back biometric checks such as fingerprinting.

Chief executive of the Airport Operators Association Darren Caplan told the Press Association: 'The UK is a world leader in aviation security. UK airports are already carrying out the highest standards of security checks for passengers departing the UK, and our airports will be applying the same rigorous security checks at search areas during the Olympic period.

'Airports work actively with the Government on long-term plans for the use of body scanners at UK airports, and of course there is potential for them to play a part in overall security arrangements at Olympic venues. The user experience is key and it's important to choose equipment that meets people's needs, as well as enhancing security, when using this rapidly evolving technology.'

Neil Fisher, vice president of global security solutions for Unisys said: 'As planning for this summer's events hits fever pitch, we need to take into account the call from UK citizens to strengthen our security, both at points of travel and at entry into public venues. The need to define a holistic security strategy and integrate different agencies, technologies and sources of intelligence is vital.

'With around 120 heads of state set to visit the UK this summer, along with over a million visitors to the Olympics alone, there is a real opportunity for the UK to demonstrate how this can be delivered effectively and provide a blueprint for other countries hosting similar events.'

More than 1,000 British adults took part in the survey by information technology company Unisys, which was conducted in February, before the problems of long immigration queues emerged at Heathrow Airport.

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