Kenny MacAskill to address stop-and-search concerns at Glasgow Airport

GLASGOW Airport is making strides in addressing concerns that ethnic minorities are unfairly targeted by Schedule 7, stop and search powers, Kenny MacAskill has said.

The Scottish Justice Secretary visited the hub after concerns that police’s use of the anti-terror powers were breeding resentment in some communities.

Mr MacAskill said: “I am pleased to see the police operation first hand and witness the important work being carried out by police at Glasgow Airport.

“They have been engaging with the local community to share information and I welcome the positive progress they have made working hard to reassure communities and build trust following public meetings about Schedule 7 powers last year.

“Concerns were raised about a lack of clear information about the powers and how they are used, and police have acted swiftly by reviewing the leaflets given to those who are stopped and by making sure information is more widely and easily available, both at the airports and in communities.”

He added: “Scotland is not immune from terrorism, so it is vital that our airports are effectively policed to preserve public order and ensure that any threats to security are identified and addressed.

“The police play a crucial role, having to balance a duty to tackle crime with the protection of individual civil liberties.”