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PARLIAMENT PASSES BILL TO CURB CRIME IN THE AIR

This afternoon, the House of Commons approved the Civil Aviation (Amendment) Bill which extends the protection of UK law to passengers travelling to this country upon foreign registered aircraft.

Michael Colvin, MP for Romsey and Waterside, presented the Bill to the Commons. It was originally introduced into the House of Lords by Lord Brabazon of Tara, the former Minister for Aviation and sponsored by the Board of Airline Representatives, Bar UK, the Trade ASsociation that represents the interests of scheduled airlines. The organisation has been campaigning on this issue for several years.

BAR UK's Chief Executive, Peter North, said: "I'm very grateful to Lord Brabazon and Michael Colvin and delighted that their efforts and those of Peers and MP's from all parties have resulted in the law being amended. Air travel will now be more secure for all". He added: "Our members raised the funds to sponsor this Bill and I'm so pleased that they now have the great satisfaction of seeing their united efforts rewarded. I should also like to pay tribute to Lord Hacking and his fellow lawyers for their support and advice and to our Parliamentary Agent, Stephen Wiggs, for all his hard work on our behalf".

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For further information contact:
Peter North,
Chief Executive,
BAR UK
Tel: 020 7707 4147
Fax 020 7707 4182