'Lax' port security criticised

MP Gwyn Prosser said security at Dover was far superior to Calais

Poor security at the Port of Calais could make the Channel a target for terrorists, according to a leading ferry organisation.

The Passenger Shipping Association said on Monday security at Calais was not as strict as at Dover - which could create a threat to safety.

The body believes cross-Channel anti-terrorist measures should be more in line with the air industry, with the same measures in place at each end of the journey.

Port security in the UK is the responsibility of central government, the association said.

The security on this side of the Channel is far superior to Calais - it always has been and always will be

Gwyn Prosser, Dover MP

But in France most searches are left to the regional authorities or carried out by the ferry companies at their own expense.

William Gibbons, director of the Passenger Shipping Association, said: "In Dover we've been living under a tight security regime for many, many years, since 1990 - a regime which is the same for the whole of the UK.

"We need the same system on both sides of the Channel.

"There's no point having tight security in Dover and very lax security in Calais."

Present climate

Mr Gibbons said cross-Channel travellers were not put off by the measures.

"They accept regular screening of passengers and their cars would be the right things in the present climate.

"They have also told me they are concerned that not much happens in Calais."

But Labour MP for Dover Gwyn Prosser defended the role of the ferry companies in improving security at Calais.

He said: "I don't mind who provides the security regime as long as it works.

"The security on this side of the Channel is far superior to Calais - it always has been and always will be in my view.

"But we have to admit that the security regime in Calais has increased 10-fold over the last five or 10 years."