The UK Transport Secretary warns " future threats will be met by new security levels at airports". It follows the decision to downgrade the UK terrorism threat level from 'critical' to 'severe'.

The UK Transport Secretary has this morning (Monday) backed proposals to step back from the level of airport security brought in after last Thursday terror alert.

But he says levels will be higher than prior to the event bearing in mind that a step down "does not uninvent the method allegedly planned" of using liquid explosive.

He has also warned that there will be specific responses for specific threats should the need arrive.

So hand baggage is to be allowed onto aircraft as fresh security measures for baggage come in at all UK airports.

This is believed to be the case at Ronaldsway which is classified as a UK airport although Manx Radio was unable to obtain early official confirmation.

Each passenger is permitted to carry one item of cabin baggage through the airport security search point. But airport operator BAA has asked passengers not to bring hand baggage until the latest changes have been phased in at Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted.

The dimensions of this item must not exceed a maximum length of 45cm, width of 35cm and depth of 16cm (17.7"?13.7"?6.2" approx) including wheels, handles, side pockets etc.

Other bags, such as handbags, may be carried within the single item of cabin baggage. All items carried by passengers will be screened by X-ray.

No liquids of any type are permitted through the airport security search point, other than the following items:

Prescription medicines in liquid form sufficient and essential for the flight (eg diabetic kit), as long as verified as authentic.

Baby milk and liquid baby food (the contents of each bottle or jar must be tasted by the accompanying passenger).

The definition of liquids includes gels, pastes, lotions, liquid/solid mixtures and the contents of pressurised containers, e.g. toothpaste, hair gel, drinks, soups, syrups, perfume, deodorant, shaving foam, aerosols etc.

To help their progress through search points, passengers are encouraged not to include items capable of containing liquids (e.g. bottles, flasks, tubes, cans, plastic containers etc.) in their cabin baggage.

All laptops and large electrical items (e.g. large hairdryer) must be removed from the bag and placed in a tray so that such items neither obscure nor are obscured by the bag.

Pushchairs and walking aids are permitted but must be x-ray screened. Wheelchairs are permitted but will be thoroughly searched.

In addition to the above, passengers boarding flights to the USA and items they are carrying, including those acquired after the central screening point, will be subjected to secondary search at the departure gate. Any liquids discovered will be removed from the passenger.


Acting Airport Director Paul Clarkson will be appearing on Midday Mandate today with an update.