EHRC enters airport body scanner debate

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has urged the government to ensure the rolling out of new body scanners at airports is legal.

Body scanners have already been established at Heathrow Airport and Manchester Airport, with more to be set up at other British airports in the coming months.

In a letter to transport minister Lord Adonis, the commission accepted new measures for security against terrorist threats were needed.

However, it added that it is concerned that there are no "safeguards" to guarantee the operation of the new machines will be non-discriminatory and fair to members of the public.

Trevor Phillips, chair of the EHRC, explained: "State action like border checks, stop and search and full body scanning are undertaken for good reasons. But without proper care such policies can end up being applied in ways which do discriminate against vulnerable groups or harm good community relations.

"National security policies are intended to protect our lives and our freedoms; but it would be the ultimate defeat if that protection destroyed our other liberties."

Posted by Andrea, 16 February 2010 11:26

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