by Kate Gowers

Created on: March 14, 2008

"Freedom is a possession of inestimable value." (The War Against Terrorism)

"A terrorist plot to blow up planes in mid-flight from the UK to the US has been disrupted, Scotland Yard has said. It is thought the plan was to detonate up to three explosive devices smuggled on aircraft in hand luggage. " From www.bbc.co.uk/news 10 August 2006.

As a result of the foiled terrorist plot, all hand luggage has been banned on flights to, from or within the UK. Any allowed items (sanitary towels, tampons, nappies, contact lenses) must be carried in a clear plastic bag. Nothing may be carried in pockets.

Well done. But surely these precautions don't go far enough. Plastics explosives have evolved to such an extent that they could be carried on the person, and cannot be detected by conventional means. Terrorists are wiling to sacrifice their lives in the name of martyrdom, in the name of a cause (the cause itself is irrelevant). Safety demands a high price, and the loss of personal freedom, responsibility, accountability and dignity is surely but a small price to pay for the comfort of the appearance of safety. However, one cannot put the genie of cheap air travel back in the bottle - we will not ban air travel.

Therefore I propose the following measures, effective immediately:

1. Blood, hair and saliva tests for DNA profiling and cross checking against known criminals. Technology should be developed to determine a propensity for fanaticism, obsession and depression. Identified individuals should be prohibited from flying.

2. No luggage of any sort to be allowed on aircraft. Passengers must purchase any items they are likely to need at their destination upon arrival. Not only will this ensure that no explosive or sharp materials can be brought on the aircraft, it has the bonus of enhancing the economies of the destination nations.

3. All passengers to be handcuffed or otherwise restrained in their seats. This will ensure that staff and passengers cannot be threatened with physical violence. Any 'comfort' breaks to be taken whilst accompanied by a member of airline staff (and/or an air marshal) and the doors to the lavatories to be removed.

These measures will certainly ensure that the population feel that 'something is being done'. However, do they go far enough? Should the threat level still be considered unacceptable, further restrictions could be applied.

Clothing is not permitted. All passengers must travel naked, and may be subject to full internal and external searches. There

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