Britain's first Muslim minister, Shahid Malik, was detained and searched by airport security in the US.
The international development minister was searched at an airport in Washington DC, ironically after a meeting aimed at tackling terrorism.
Malik said he endured a similar experience at JFK airport in New York last year, again after an invitation as a keynote speaker to talk about tackling extremism and defeating terrorism.
"I am deeply disappointed," he said, adding that British ministers and parliamentarians should be afforded the same respect and dignity in the US as Britain bestows upon members of the Senate and Congress.
"Obviously, there was no malice involved but it has to be said that the US system does not inspire confidence," Malik said.
It flies in the face of Margaret Hodge, the tourism minister at the Department for Culture and Sport who recently launched an initiative of providing immigration and border staff charm lessons.
The training will tell officials to basically cheer up - to be more welcoming to visiting foreigners whilst drawing the balance between security and friendliness.
Does anyone know what the policy is regarding the treatment of government officials across borders? And do staff at airports know about that policy?
Is there even a policy at all?
The BBC followed its coverage of the incident by asking the following question:
Are you a Muslim who has been detained in an American airport?
Comments (1)
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Posted by Green Apple Agent | October 29, 2007 3:40 PM
Posted on October 29, 2007 15:40