News: Terror threat downgraded
Flights > News > # 879 (14/08/2006)
The terror threat to the UK has been downgraded from "critical" to "severe". Home Secretary John Reid said the change was made because an attack was "highly likely" but not "imminent". The change in the threat level means the ban on taking hand luggage on to flights from the UK has been lifted, although some restrictions remain.
The change in the terror threat level was made by the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre based on latest intelligence. The threat level was heightened last week amid fears of a possible plot to blow up transatlantic airliners. This prompted a number of arrests on Thursday. Officers are continuing to question 23 people in the inquiry and released one other without charge.
Mr Reid said although police believe the main suspects in the alleged plot had been arrested, there was still the threat of a terror attack. Speaking at a press conference today (August 14), the home secretary warned that "the change in the threat level does not mean that the threat has gone away". He said: "The public needs to know that there may be other people out there who may be planning to attack against the United Kingdom. That is why there are a number of other security service operations underway. There is still a very serious threat of an attack."
The UK has been at the highest level of terror threat since police made arrests last Thursday in connection with the alleged plot to use liquid explosives on planes from the UK to the US. But airport operator BAA has urged passengers using Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted not to bring hand baggage as it gradually phases in the latest changes. It said it will not be implementing the new rules on hand luggage at its seven airports until Tuesday morning. The company says it will need to brief its thousands of security staff, who will not be aware of the change because it was announced overnight.
The Department for Transport said passengers would now be allowed to carry one item of hand luggage on to flights, although there would still be some restrictions in place. The department hoped the change would help ease congestion at airports.
Long-term changes to airport security checks outlined by Transport Secretary Douglas Alexander include the following:
- Passengers can choose what to take on to a plane, but any form of liquid, fluid, lotion or gel will be banned. Electronic devices, such as laptops, will be permitted but will be thoroughly screened.
- A medium-sized item of hand luggage will be permitted. This bag will be around half the size of luggage previously admitted.
- Searches of passengers and their clothing will be conducted more frequently and are to be carried out by hand or using body scanners.
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