Agreement reached on policing Heathrow Airport

10/08
28 February 2008

A groundbreaking agreement has been reached on policing Heathrow airport under the requirements of the Civil Aviation Act 2006.

The Metropolitan Police Authority, Metropolitan Police and British Airports Authority have approved a police service agreement (PSA), which will secure the future arrangements for how the airport is policed.

The PSA specifies the level of policing provided and the contribution from the airport operator, Heathrow Airport Ltd, a subsidiary of BAA. It also covers the accommodation and facilities provided to enable police to carry out their duties, including counter-terrorism.

Len Duvall, MPA Chair, said:

"This agreement brings many benefits to all parties and marks a significant development in the way in which we manage police resources and recover costs at Heathrow, and could be used as a model for how police work with airport operators across the country.

"Historically, negotiations on cost recovery for agreed police posts and duties at Heathrow have proved protracted. But we have worked hard to reach this agreement, which is a good deal for Londoners, the police and the airport operators.

"All parties agree this is an equitable settlement which will benefit all concerned, and finally puts the complex issue of policing one of the largest and busiest airports in the world on a sound footing."

Chief Superintendent Mike Gallagher, head of policing at Heathrow, said:

"A great deal of work has been required to reach agreement and the process of negotiation has helped to strengthen our relationship and understanding of all our needs. A strong partnership with BAA and the other businesses helps to make Heathrow safer and drive down crime."

Mr Duvall added:

"Regrettably, and despite much effort on our part, we have reached no similar agreement with London City Airport which contributes nothing towards the cost of policing the airport, including essential counter-terrorism work.

"I can only assume the airport operator thinks it is right for London taxpayers to subsidise its profit-making commercial operations. This position is wholly indefensible.

"The MPA has written to the Secretary of State for Transport to see how we can resolve this matter as quickly as possible.

"Every penny of the police budget should be used to prevent, deter and detect crime and keep people safe. But the moral and financial responsibility for keeping its business and customers safe rests fairly and squarely with the airport operator rather than with Londoners who should not have to fully subsidise a private moneymaking enterprise."

Notes to Editors

1. Under the Aviation Security Act 1982, nine designated airports (Heathrow Gatwick, Stansted, Birmingham, Manchester, Prestwick, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen) are required to contribute to policing costs. How much they pay is open to local negotiation and agreement. The cost of policing non-designated airports is not covered by the Act.

2. MPA Chair Len Duvall has written to the Secretary of State for Transport asking that London City Airport be designated under section 25 of the Aviation Security Act 1982. Discussions with the Department for Transport are ongoing.

Further media information

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