Full body scanners to be installed at UK airports

Following the Detroit bomb plot, UK airports will install full body scanners as an additional security measure to combat airline terrorism.

Ministers are prepared to spend whatever figure is necessary to purchase the X-ray devices, which can see through clothing and even detect items hidden within the body or even swallowed.

Home Secretary Alan Johnson claimed the use of body scanners would stop the need for full body searches and end delays caused by them.

The action is a bid to massively overhaul airport security in the UK.

Mr Johnson said that the Government aimed to be at the cutting edge of technology and to ensure they put it in place as quickly as possible.

The new scanners will also be introduced at Amsterdam’s Schipol where Abdulmutallab departed on his Northwest flight to Detroit.

The microwave detectors at Schipol can show unusual objects on the body or hidden under clothing, but are not as efficient as full body scanners.

Security has already been boosted at airports in both the US and UK, with US bound passengers forced to go through a second round of security measures at the departure gate, including full bag searches and a body pat down search.

Passengers at London’s Heathrow airport were also told to drink from drink bottle bought after passing security to prove they were not being used to hide chemicals used in making bombs.

Passengers heading for the US were also restricted to one item of carry-on baggage, with some airlines disabling the screen showing passengers the progress and location of the flight.

Passengers were also forced to stow all personal items, including magazines and books in the overhead compartment and to remain seated until after landing.