Prime Minister Theresa May will use a trip to the US this week to win support for an upgrade in airport security around the world.
The former home secretary wants other countries to commit to improve baggage checks at airports, passenger screening and sharing passenger details.
May will promote the world’s first United Nations Security Council resolution on aviation security at a UN summit in New York.
The international rules introduced in 2006, which ban liquids in containers larger than 100ml from being taken onto planes, are frequently ignored outside Europe and America.
Speaking before her visit to the UN, the PM said: “In the face of an increasing terrorist threat, it is vital that we work with other countries to keep our people safe. I am determined that the UK should take a leading role in driving progress towards greater aviation security.
“This historic UN resolution will galvanise international action to improve security measures, and focus support on countries more vulnerable to terrorist attacks.
“The UK is already sharing our expertise in this area and the new resolution will be another step forward in the fight against terrorism, helping to make it safer for British tourists travelling by air.”
May’s resolution sets out five points of action:
- The International Civil Aviation Organisation must do more to check whether countries are complying with internationally agreed standards for airline security
- Countries must ensure that they have effective measures in place through enhancing screening, security checks and facility security
- Developed countries should provide technological help and expertise to poorer countries
- New technology should be developed to detect explosives and other threats
- Airlines must provide information about passengers to help authorities detect the movement of terrorists
Sign up to BBT’s twice-weekly newsletter