MEPs back LibDem call for rethink on aircraft liquids ban

2.00.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 4th Sep 2007

The European Parliament has backed a call led by Liberal Democrats for the ban on liquids on planes to be reviewed, and repealed unless shown to be justified and effective. It also supported a Liberal Democrat demand for publication of the EU legislation which brought in the restrictions.

Baroness Sarah Ludford MEP, Liberal Democrat European justice spokeswoman, said:

"Security is vital, but public cooperation with inconvenient regulations will only be guaranteed if they are shown to be necessary."

"These were discussed in secret by EU governments at the behest of Tony Blair, with absolutely no democratic scrutiny. The text of the rules has never even been published. This is not the open, accountable government constantly promised."

"There must now be a chance for MPs or MEPs to probe their necessity on the basis of solid arguments. Whatever the original spur for their introduction, it is irrational to keep in place measures that governments cannot justify."