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29/04/2003
Hi-tech airline security scheme takes off
Cutting-edge biometric technology is to be used to run instant checks on airline passengers to identify potential immigration and security risks before they travel to the UK, the Home Office announced today.
A pilot scheme will use hi-tech document scanners to 'read' passports and other documents of UK-bound passengers boarding at Madrid and Miami, and instantly check them against online law enforcement databases. Checks will also be made on passengers travelling on selected flights leaving the UK.
The pre-entry screening system will identify anyone who is a known immigration or security risk, as well as helping to detect forged or stolen documents.
The three-month 'pre-entry screening' trial will operate in partnership with Virgin Atlantic between Heathrow and Miami and easyJet between Stansted and Madrid.
Home Office Minister Beverley Hughes said: "This trial is the first step in a long-term programme to harness the latest technology to modernise and strengthen our border controls, creating a border security system fit for the 21st century.
"Ninety million people passed through the UK last year – reflecting the UK's leading place in the global economy. Against this background, it is neither possible, nor desirable to set up a fortress Britain.
"But we do need to ensure that we have in place measures to protect the security of our citizens and strengthen our borders to prevent people travelling to the UK illegally and to tackle terrorism and organised crime."
The passport scanners will check instantly travel document information against law enforcement and immigration databases in the UK. The system also checks passports for security features and tampering, providing an additional safeguard against the use of fraudulent documents. This is intended to complement existing passport and immigration checks and will not limit the liability of airlines to ensure that passengers have adequate documentation.
The scheme is the result of an overhaul of the immigration, asylum and citizenship in the White Paper.
(GMcG)
A pilot scheme will use hi-tech document scanners to 'read' passports and other documents of UK-bound passengers boarding at Madrid and Miami, and instantly check them against online law enforcement databases. Checks will also be made on passengers travelling on selected flights leaving the UK.
The pre-entry screening system will identify anyone who is a known immigration or security risk, as well as helping to detect forged or stolen documents.
The three-month 'pre-entry screening' trial will operate in partnership with Virgin Atlantic between Heathrow and Miami and easyJet between Stansted and Madrid.
Home Office Minister Beverley Hughes said: "This trial is the first step in a long-term programme to harness the latest technology to modernise and strengthen our border controls, creating a border security system fit for the 21st century.
"Ninety million people passed through the UK last year – reflecting the UK's leading place in the global economy. Against this background, it is neither possible, nor desirable to set up a fortress Britain.
"But we do need to ensure that we have in place measures to protect the security of our citizens and strengthen our borders to prevent people travelling to the UK illegally and to tackle terrorism and organised crime."
The passport scanners will check instantly travel document information against law enforcement and immigration databases in the UK. The system also checks passports for security features and tampering, providing an additional safeguard against the use of fraudulent documents. This is intended to complement existing passport and immigration checks and will not limit the liability of airlines to ensure that passengers have adequate documentation.
The scheme is the result of an overhaul of the immigration, asylum and citizenship in the White Paper.
(GMcG)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
