http://www.sky.com/skynews/article/0,,30000-12962556,00.html
OUTCRY OVER AIR MARSHALS
British airline pilots are strongly opposing the use of armed marshals on passenger jets.
The Government announced on Saturday that undercover guards will be placed on some planes in response to the "heightened state of alert in the USA".
Security measures on the ground will also be stepped up with improved screening of passengers and bags in a bid to prevent hijackings.
It has promised pilots will be informed if there is a marshal on their flight but the pilots' union Balpa and some airlines have voiced concerns about the plan.
A British Airways spokeswoman said: "We have always said we have concerns about having armed people on aircraft. We feel it is best to have strong security on the ground and that is where the focus of attention should be.
"We have always been of the opinion that if it is not safe to fly, then we will not fly."
Armed guards
Balpa general secretary Jim McAuslan said: "We cannot agree with the Government's decision to put armed guards on aircraft as we believe this will do more harm than good. We do not want guns on planes."
Transport Secretary Alistair Darling said air marshals would form a "last line of defence" against terrorists.He said: "It is someone who is there when people have got on to the plane and is intent on trying to take over that plane. It is one of the last lines of defence.
"Of course, the best thing to do is to try to stop people getting on to the plane in the first place."
Meanwhile, it emerged the plan, originally announced more than a year ago by Mr Darling, may have pre-empted American demands for air marshal on flights.
US directive
The US Homeland Security Department said it would require foreign airlines flying to and from America to have "a law enforcement officer on the plane" on certain occasions.
The UK Department for Transport will not comment on whether Sunday's announcement was made in the knowledge that a US directive was imminent.
Last Updated: 19:01 UK, Monday December 29, 2003