PM Outlines Travel Security Plans

Prime Minister Gordon Brown has announced plans to increase security at Britain's airports, railway stations and leisure and sporting venues.

Speaking in the House of Commons, the Prime Minister launched a report by security minister Lord West, which outlined security measures to protect against possible vehicle bomb attacks.

The plans include the introduction of new security barriers and vehicle exclusion zones at 250 of the country's busiest railway stations, as well as airport terminals, ports and over 100 sensitive installations.

However, restrictions on hand luggage for air passengers are set to be lifted. Rail passengers, however, will face additional screening of baggage and passenger searches.

Around 160 counter-terrorism advisers will also train civilian staff to identify suspect activity and to ensure premises have secure emergency exits, CCTV footage used to best effect, and regular searches and evacuation drills.

A new unit will also be created which brings together police and security intelligence to look not only at the "inner circle" of extremists but also at those at risk of failing under their influence.

A new forum of headteachers will also advise on what can be done to protect young people and build bridges across communities.

An advisory group will also work with local communities to promote the citizenship education classes run by mosque schools in Bradford and elsewhere.

Lord West's review came after the failing bomb attacks in London and at Glasgow airport in June.

However, earlier on Wednesday, Lord West sparked a furore when he initially told the BBC that he was not convinced about extending the limit that terror suspects can be detained without trial, but later changed his position, saying claiming that he did not choose his words very well.

Nick Clegg, Liberal Democrat home affairs spokesperson, said: "This is Keystone Cops politics. First the government wanted 90 days, then 56, then it failed to produce any evidence for a change and the Home Secretary admitted she had no idea how many extra days she wanted.

"Now we have the pitiful spectacle of a minister saying one thing at ten minutes past eight and the exact opposite an hour later after a meeting with the Prime Minister.

"It is alarming that on such a vital issue, which determines the balance of liberty and security in Britain today, the government appears to have no idea whether it is coming or going."

(KMcA)