[IanFromHKG]

I’m with you LP – from what I have read, it appears that the staff used intimidation to try to force an apology, and by doing so were guilty of unlawful detention. Unfortunately, they get away with it (not just on this occasion but many others) because people in that situation are all too well aware of the possible downside to acting “properly”, which is that they could easily miss their flight or even be put on a “not to fly” list. I think the passenger in question was immensely brave to stand his ground and refuse to apologise – I probably would have done so (although I would have found some weasel wording that would have made it clear that the apology was far from genuine) and would no doubt have been thoroughly ashamed of myself for backing down. However, I still think I would have done it because of the potential for the situation to become far uglier. I can only hope that the staff concerned are disciplined for the way they behaved, and that even if they are not then the court of public opinion condemns them anyway

[LuganoPirate]

I thnk you’re right Ian, it’s very easy to say what I would do from the comfort of my home. In practice I’d like to think I’d have the courage to stand my ground but with possible connections, meetings etc at risk would I. Would any of us?

[Bucksnet]

Simon, I think that certain government jobs should be restricted to people that are UK born, with UK born parents as well. The trouble is it can’t happen until we leave the EU. From an intelligence point of view, recent immigrants are far easier targets for recruitment by foreign intelligence agencies.

Ian/LP, like I said earlier, I would have not gone back through security and after a brief discussion walked away. However the guy in question would not have been able to do this as they took his passport.

[NTarrant]

I agree Bucksnet that government jobs should be restricted to UK born people with UK born parents and grand parents. You will never see a “foreign” worker on passport control in the UAE.

Last year I had a search of my bag on leaving Jersey, the Polish girl who searched found my 100ml of Johnsons Baby Powder, she said in a thick accent “put in liquids next time”. I asked why I should do that as its not liquid, her reply was “I advise”. I complained to the airport manager who suggested I misunderstood her as she was from Poland. My response was, that it was Jersey not Poland and that he should be employing Jersey people who understood English and could converse in English. Strange I didn’t get a reply!

[LuganoPirate]

I have to agree with you Bucknet, trouble is once you have a British Passport, you cannot be discriminated against just because you’re foreign born. I believe it’s the same in the US except for the post of President.

In Switzerland once granted Swiss nationality you are Swiss with all the obligations and responsibilitys that go with it. In practice I’ve yet to meet a “paper Swiss” as they are so often called, achieve any real high office.

[Binman62]

Simon R…..I am an unreconstituted serious lefty. So God help the rest of you whom have more moderate views…….. You mean there are two of us?

This was a ridiculous situation and the staff involved need to be taken to task. I fear however they will not and it will all be swept under the carpet unless taken further by the passenger.

I would not however be supportive of bans on jobs to those who were not born here or whose parents were not born here. That for me is the thin end of the wedge and just where does such an approach end.

Neither do I believe that this is problem is caused by Europe or our membership of the EU. France ban the veil and the Dutch plan such a ban. We could do the same.

[PeterPR]

Three of us Binman, although I wouldn’t, couldn’t, claim ‘serious’ in my case

[BeckyBoop]

This guy should be prosecuted to the max penalty of the law and they should of not allowed him to fly. He was going through security!?!? He made a comment as a joke that offended the female guard who was muslim!!! He knows he did wrong but trying to make himself to be the innocent party, why do i get the feeling we may not be hearing the full story here!

I thought muslim women when going through security and checkin have to go through a seperate area and checked by a female so they have to remove there veils because how would they check the pic on the passport otherise anyone can walk through.. can someone please confirm?

[MartynSinclair]

This also brings back the question about back ground checks to those who are given BAA airside passes.

Which overseas countries have an equivalent to Disclosure / CRB checks which is a standard requirement needing airside access at the airports.

How does BAA check the background of a newly arrived overseas immigrant. Of course the Disclosure check for the UK will be clear, they haven’t been here 2 minutes!

So now its one rule for the Brits and one for the immigrant.

[BeckyBoop]

Would of thought they would of needed DV clearance at least for airside passes or who ever works for the borders agency or passport office?

Martyn what do you mean one rule for brits and one for the immigrant?

[NTarrant]

Quite right Martyn, that is a very good question.

Now hang on, the lefties are calling for the guy to be disciplined, what happened to thier love for the poor worker, or do we have Champagne Socialism, again!!!!

[MartynSinclair]

Quite simply, how does BAA assure themselves that an applicant who provides a “right to work visa” and has been in the UK for less than say 3 years, can provide a clear background check, going back 10 years?

As an employer or even an employee, how would you feel working in a security sensitive area next to someone you know could not have been checked as thoroughly as is required for a Brit.

I am not for one minute suggesting that the person in question falls into this category, but there are plenty of people with BAA passes where back ground checks could not be carried as thoroughly as for a UK born and raised resident.

[IanFromHKG]

Becky, would you please tell us *precisely* which criminal offence you believe Mr Jones should be prosecuted for? Please also let us know why you feel that that offence is more worthy of prosecution and punishment than:
* abuse of office
* bullying
* blackmail, and
* unlawful detention

Do tell…

[Henkel.Trocken]

Oh dear, BeckyBoop strikes again, an opinion about everything and knowledge about nothing.

[NTarrant]

Martyn, you are so right and it does not just apply to non-EU people. There is also difficulty in CRB checking in the former Easter Bloc counties.

[Author]

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