[Ed Kaan]

Body scanners will be introduced at Heathrow at the end of the month, while other airports will have explosive trace detectors by the end of the year, the government has confirmed.

Home secretary Alan Johnson told the House of Commons this afternoon that the equipment had to be installed to ensure the security of the travelling public.

Johnson said he was “conscious of our overriding obligations to protect people's life and liberty”.ttg

[Dave G]

I think is a catch 22 situation... having extra security at airport is very important for the obvious reasons, but have you seen what these scanners can do.. these are like Xray Machines, they see right through you!!! This tool is used to invade your personal space!?!

I for one have to say, all that mney they spent on developing this machine, they could have utilised the funds somewhere they could have achieved they objective and not invade peoples personal space.

[Andy Pandy]

X- Ray vision you say.... well i dont want any-1 checking me out underneath my garmets, just the thought it make me feel so violted. !!

what they should do is give X-ray vision glasses to everyone except my uncle albert!!

[Dave G]

X- Ray vision you say.... well i dont want any-1 checking me out underneath my garmets, just the thought it make me feel so violted. !!

what they should do is give X-ray vision glasses to everyone except my uncle albert!!

LOL... uncle ablert... i dont wanna even ask?!?!?

[Joanne Harding]

Birmingham will be the next airport to install body scanners following the introduction of the devices at Heathrow and Manchester airport yesterday (Mon, Feb 1).

The government has confirmed Birmingham will start using the scanners later this month and they will be rolled out to other UK airports over the next few months.

Abta chief executive Mark Tanzer said that only a small proportion of airline passengers would be affected by the move.

“It is important that new security measures are introduced proportionately and correctly so that the privacy and dignity of passengers are not compromised,” he added.

“We will continue to help our members to inform their customers of any new developments, so that they know what to expect when they arrive at airports.”

Under the tighter security regulations, airline passengers may be selected for compulsory body scans by security staff. It they refuse, they will not be allowed to fly.

The government has also issued an interim code of practice on how the body scanners are used.ttg