Over recent years sharing of intelligence by police forces and the security services has become increasingly important and in the wake of a range of Government initiatives there is no doubt that that the intelligence picture across the UK has improved.

On Christmas day Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab attempted to detonate an improvised explosive device on North West Airlines flight 253 from Amsterdam to Detroit. Following this failed attempt here was an audible sigh of relief, followed by a clamour for greater security to prevent future attempts.

I would support the continual review of physical security at airports and the likely move towards body scanners which is, in my opinion, a positive step. However I feel that by concentrating on physical security we are missing the benefits a joined up Intelligence System could provide.