EU anti-terror tsar backs use of body scanners

EU anti-terror tsar Gilles de Kerchove has backed the use of body scanners at European airports.

Speaking in parliament on Wednesday, the Belgian said scanners could be an important means of combating terrorism.

But he insisted that they must satisfy three conditions before they are considered for use.

"They must respect the privacy of the individual, not endanger public health and be efficient," the EU counter-terrorism coordinator told MEPs on parliament's civil liberties, justice and home affairs committee.

He said, however, that 100 per cent security was impossible, adding, "It does not exist and any country that is only concerned about security is an Orwellian society. You have to accept some risk."

The US wants Europeans to make scanners obligatory at airports in Europe but, to date, only the UK and Netherlands plan to install them.

MEPs are split on the use of scanners, with transport committee chair, British Socialist deputy Brian Simpson, saying, "We want to make travel as safe as humanely possible.

"But people who believe that body scanners are the answer live in cloud cuckoo land."

But EPP member Simon Busuttil said, "We are open to body scanners.

"We are waiting for an impact assessment by the commission.

"If it demonstrates that these devices are really effective the employment of body scanners should be limited to the minimum necessary."

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