Duty To Address Body Scanner Fears
Strasbourg 10 February 2010
In a speech to the European Parliament today, Timothy urged the EU to deal with the public's fears about body scanners. The debate dealt with the EU's potential response to terrorism, and body scanners were very much on the agenda.
It's clear more public information was needed on the effectiveness of body scanners and the manner in which they are to be used at airports. As more and more airports across Europe begin using new scanners, public concerns prevail about their safety, their use and matters of privacy surrounding them.
In a statement from Strasbourg Timothy said:
"Body scanners have been brought in without adequate public or parliamentary consultation both in Brussels and Westminster. Whilst I am not against their use and the need to give security to travellers, equally travellers fears must be addressed. We need to give people proper information on their safety and re-assure the privacy concerns that exist.
We are already alienating more and more passengers, and drawing flak from civil liberties groups. It is little wonder if debate is stifled and basic information is kept behind closed doors. I understand that the technical details need to be withheld so terrorists cannot bypass the technology, but we must address travellers' fears."
Subsequent to that debate, a report published by the Government's own Equality watchdog, warned that the use of body scanners may be in breach of privacy and anti-discrimination laws. The Equalities and Human Rights Commission issued the warning to Transport Minister Lord Adonis on 16 February.
In response to this development, Timothy said:
"These legal concerns are further proof that too little consideration has been payed to the body scanners issue."
