Prime Minister Gordon Brown has called for a review of security measures at UK airports following the failed bomb attack on a Delta flight to Detroit on Christmas day.
Writing on the Number 10 website, Brown said the attack had provided a “wake up call” that the UK was still a terrorist target.
He said additional security measures could include stepping up the UK’s use of explosive trace technology, full body scanners and advanced x-ray technology.
“We now know that the would-be bomber used a small quantity of explosive that went undetected by standard airport security equipment,” he said.
“We need, therefore, to continually explore the most sophisticated devices capable of identifying explosives, guns, knives and other such items anywhere on the body.”
The review was launched after security at Amsterdam’s Schipol airport allowed suspect Umar Umar Farouk Abdul Mutallab to board a flight to Detroit carrying hidden explosives.
Advisors will report back in a few days and Brown has pledged to act as quickly as possible.