May leads way on stopping terror threat against airlines

THERESA MAY will announce plans for a global crackdown on the terrorist threat to airlines this week.

At a UN summit in New York, the Prime Minister will propose the world’s first United Nations Security Council resolution on aviation security.

Her plan includes committing countries to improving airport baggage checks, stepping up passenger screening, sharing details of passengers and protecting airport terminals.

Downing Street said the resolution would push rich countries to develop new techniques to detect explosives, and to help poorer countries improve their airport security, with better technology and tighter procedures.

Speaking before travelling to her first UN general assembly meeting, Mrs May said she wanted Britain to lead the world in stepping up aviation security

in the wake of recent attacks in Brussels, Istanbul and Egypt. “In the face of an increasing terrorist threat, it is vital that we work with other countries to keep our people safe,” she said.

Mrs May’s initiative comes after the Metrojet disaster in Egypt, and attacks on airports in Brussels and Istanbul.

Teams of British security experts have travelled to countries affected by terrorist atrocities to share their “practical expertise” on protecting airports from attacks.

Mrs May’s resolution sets out five points of action:

The International Civil Aviation Organisation must do more to check whether countries are complying with internationally agreed security standards;

Countries must ensure that they have effective measures in place through enhancing screening, security checks and facility security;

Developed countries should provide technological help and expertise to poorer countries;

New technology should be developed to detect explosives and other threats;

Airlines must provide information about passengers to help authorities detect the movement of terrorists.

In recent weeks, British diplomats have been working to win the backing of the other four permanent members of the UN Security Council.

China, the United States and France are all on board, with Russia close to agreeing to the proposals.

Members of Mrs May’s team are now trying to win over other countries on the Security Council with the aim of adopting the resolution at a meeting of foreign ministers in New York on Thursday.

Mrs May said. “This historic UN resolution will galvanise international action to improve security measures – and focus support on countries more vulnerable to terrorist attacks.

“The UK is already sharing our expertise in this area and the new resolution will be another step forward in the fight against terrorism, helping to make it safer for British tourists travelling by air.”

The number of air rage incidents on UK airlines has quadrupled over the last three years, it has been revealed.

There were 386 dangerous incidents in 2015, compared with 114 in 2014 and 85 in 2013, according to figures seen by the BBC’s 5 Live Investigates.

The statistics, compiled by the Civil Aviation Authority, come after budget airline Jet2.com banned the sale of alcohol before 8am on its flights to help stop disruptive behaviour.