Police get access to air passenger lists

Airport security was stepped up after 11 September

New anti-terrorism powers to make airlines hand over their passenger lists have been unveiled by the government.

Shipping companies will also be forced to reveal the cargo they are carrying under the legislation passed in response to the 11 September attacks.

Police and other law enforcement agencies will be able to request the information if they suspect terrorist activity, under the legislation which came into effect on Thursday.

It will also be used to target people traffickers, drug smugglers and other serious criminals.

Consultation

Home Secretary David Blunkett said access to information on passengers and goods was "crucially important" to the fight against terrorism.

As it stands, police can stop and question people at airports and ports but are unable to gain access to entire passenger lists.

The power will allow police to "make a written request to an air or sea carrier for information about passengers and crew, vehicles belonging to passengers and crew, and goods, on all journeys to, from and within the UK".

This data will allow the law enforcement agencies to target and track terrorists

David Blunkett

Mr Blunkett stressed the legislation would only be used after consultation with the companies involved.

He said the order "ensures that the law enforcement agencies would have the tools they need in an emergency situation" during the consultation process.

"This data will allow the law enforcement agencies to target and track terrorists, people traffickers, drug smugglers and other serious criminals," he added.

Mr Blunkett said meetings with the air and sea carriers were being held throughout August to discuss how the power would be implemented.

Terrorist threat

Industry representatives will be invited to a ministerial meeting in October.

It is envisaged the powers will be used in "truly exceptional circumstances" such as a terrorist incident, the Home Office said.

"In this situation, police could need to find out who had been travelling through the port during the incident," a spokesman added.

A spokeswoman for the British Airports Authority (BAA) said it was "supportive of any means to further increase security".

"But the methods of data collection must be practical and we would like to work with the authorities to ensure a pragmatic solution," she added.