Anti-terrorism powers defended by Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill

Feb 8 2012

Kenny McAskill Glasgow Airport Image 1

SECURITY checks at Glasgow airport are “proportionate and necessary”, the Justice Secretary has insisted.

MSP Kenny MacAskill visited the airport following criticism that ethnic minorities were being singled out for searches.

And now a new community engagement group has been set up at the transport hub to address the concerns.

MacAskill said the so-called Schedule 7 search powers must be used “consistently, sensitively and appropriately”, adding that it is “vital” airports are effectively policed.

Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act 2000 gives police officers the power to stop, search and question people at UK airports without reasonable suspicion that the person is “engaged in terrorism”.

MacAskill said: “Concerns were raised about a lack of clear information about the powers and how they are used.

“Police have acted swiftly by reviewing the leaflets given to those who are stopped and by making sure information is more widely and easily available – both at the airports and in communities.

“It is important that powers to stop and question travellers must be used consistently, sensitively and appropriately.

“I am aware of the sensitivities involved in the use of Schedule 7 powers.

"Where there are legitimate concerns and grievances in communities, we need to understand them and work together to try to address them.”

Last July, at a meeting organised by MSP Humza Yousaf, criticisms were made about inadequate information about the extent of the police powers, as well as how the powers were being used.

MacAskill said progress had been made to reassure communities.