?On top of this the UK Government has failed to carry out independent verification of the cumulative impact of these machines and how individuals going through ionising scanners can keep count of their personal cumulative exposure. Although body scanners have not yet been installed at crew security lines in the UK they are increasingly being rolled out in passenger security areas, which British pilots also regularly use.  

?The Government's policy is that if anyone refuses to use these scanners they will be told they cannot fly. In the US an alternative 'pat down' is available, albeit this is being applied in an unacceptably intrusive way that many US citizens say is like "groping". 

?If the UK ploughs ahead with its plans it is going to face similar levels of civil resistance as the US administration faced. The UK should learn. The Government should call a halt on any further development until independent health and safety checks have been done and people can be reassured that there is no health risk.

?And the Government should come to an urgent agreement for UK pilots flying into the US to be on the same footing as our US cousins. Unless the British Government gets a grip on this then they will face a strong reaction that could see UK aviation grind to a halt.