Heathrow gagged over queues leaflet

HEATHROW Airport has been ordered by the Border Force to stop handing out leaflets to passengers acknowledging the “very long delays” at immigration.

Amid increasing anger at the length of queues for travellers arriving at border control, airport operator BAA has tried to defuse tensions with a leaflet apologising for the problems.

It said people arriving in the country “deserved a warmer welcome” and explained how to complain to the Home Office.

But Marc Owen, director of UK Border Agency operations at Heathrow, has told BAA that the leaflets are “inappropriate” and that ministers would take “a very dim view”.

In an e-mail he said: “The leaflet… is both inflammatory and likely to increase tensions in arrivals halls, especially in the current atmosphere. It is inappropriate in that it is not for you to display how to complain on our behalf.

“Please refrain from handing out [the leaflets] or I will escalate [the matter] with ministers who are likely to take a very dim view. I know there are copies in the hall and your troops are ready with them.”

Mr Owen also told BAA to prevent passengers taking pictures in the arrivals hall. Pictures of lengthy queues have been posted on Twitter by frustrated people.