To ask Her Majesty’s Government what responsibility they have for the security of flights coming to the United Kingdom from JFK airport in New York; what assessment they have made of security checks on passengers and hand luggage at JFK airport for flights coming to the United Kingdom; and what assessment they have made of security checks, including scanning of shoes, at JFK airport on staff going airside to United Kingdom-bound flights. [HL1400]

The security of flights inbound to the United Kingdom is subject to the principle of host state responsibility, under which each state is responsible for the security of flights departing from its territory. This is governed by international law as set down by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). The responsibility for aviation security at JFK is therefore a matter for the US.

UK aviation security officials visited JFK airport last year to observe the security afforded to UK airline operations. It would not be appropriate, for obvious reasons, to comment further on the security measures in place.