Maltese MEPs divided on resolution

The European Parliament yesterday backed a resolution which calls on the EU to review restrictions on taking liquids aboard aeroplanes.

MEPs called for the ban to be lifted unless further conclusive evidence can be brought forward to support it. The resolution was supported by 446 votes in favour and 158 against. The five Maltese MEPs adopted contrasting positions on the motion, supporting the main stand taken by their political group.

Nationalist MEPs Simon Busuttil and David Casa supported the repeal of the rules while Labour MEPs Louis Grech, John Attard Montalto and Joseph Muscat voted against. A spokesman for the Maltese Labour MEPs said they needed more facts before deciding to repeal the regulations.

"We are not taking the risk of jeopardising the safety of passengers without knowing the real effect of this measure," the spokesman said. In the resolution, MEPs expressed their concern that the costs engendered by the regulation may not be proportionate to the added value achieved by additional security provisions. "The European Parliament supports all security measures against terrorist risks in aviation. The need for high-quality security is unquestionable. However, security measures need to be 'realistically' designed to minimise the risk and may not be 'disproportionate'," the resolution said. In the debate prior to yesterday's vote, many MEPs argued that new rules banning liquids increased costs to airports and operators as well as to passengers resulting from the confiscation of private property. MEPs also recognised the "substantial inconvenience and disruption" caused to passengers, especially transit passengers.

According to the EU rules, air travellers can only take liquids on planes in containers of less than 100ml. The regulation was introduced after police in London said they had broken up a plot to bring down as many as 10 planes using liquid explosives. The European Parliament resolution is purely advisory as MEPs have no power to impose any measures in this area.