A local MP has called for Heathrow to be shut tomorrow on safety grounds due to the mass public sector workers’ strike.
Hayes and Harlington Labour MP John McDonnell, whose constituency includes the London hub, said it was clear large numbers of staff at the airport would be joining the industrial action.
Although attempts had been made to bring in extra staff, it still meant that safety and security would be “in the hands of workers who are untrained in airport security or, at most, have had an inadequate couple of days’ training,” he said.
“I believe that if the government cannot settle this dispute in the next 24 hours the airport should be closed to ensure the safety and security of all those travelling and working at Heathrow,” McDonnell added.
But Home Office minister Lord Henley, answering an urgent question in the House of Lords, said: “We are satisfied that security will be maintained.
“We started training additional staff in contingency in April and adequate resources are now available. Any staff deployed on the front line will have received training required to operate effectively.
“Arriving passengers will remain subject to checks at the border by appropriately trained staff.”
Airlines using Heathrow have urged passengers not to fly tomorrow due to fears over chaos at passport control with travellers facing potential 12-hour delays getting through immigration at Heathrow.