Darling defends sky marshals plan

Pilots will remain in charge of aircraft if sky marshals are on board as part of moves to counter the threat of hijackings, the Government said today.

It insisted the move had not been rushed through without consultation.

Transport Secretary Alistair Darling said the Government had been discussing the idea for a year and had held talks with pilots' leaders and airlines.

He told the House of Commons that the introduction of sky marshals on flights from the UK was a "responsible and prudent step".

Extra security had been put in place on the ground at UK airports, which had already led to delays, and sky marshals would also be deployed "where
appropriate".

Mr Darling made clear that pilots will remain in charge of an aircraft - one of the central demands of pilots' union Balpa which was meeting the minister later today.

MPs were told the Government would not reveal details of where and when sky marshals were operating, for security reasons, and that the scheme would be kept under review.

"It is likely that this state of alert will last for some considerable time. It is a consequence of the age in which we live," said Mr Darling.