Representatives from across UK aviation meet in Washington for roundtable discussion

RAISING THE BAR: US Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen M. Nielsen said the event had laid the foundations for future engagement to counter emerging threats

British and American politicians met with representatives from the aviation industry for a roundtable discussion on security in Washington last week.

Alongside the Department of Homeland Security’s Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, the Home Secretary Amber Rudd and Aviation Minister Baroness Liz Sugg heard from key organisation representatives including from Heathrow and Manchester airports, and Virgin Atlantic Airways and British Airways.

The meeting is part of an ongoing collaboration between the UK government and the civil aviation industry.

Home Secretary Amber Rudd said: “The global aviation system continues to be a target for terrorists who seek to destroy our way of life. This is an issue that is not isolated to either one country or one airline.

“The UK is a global leader on aviation security and today was a chance to continue our strong collaboration with international partners, such as the US, as well as industry.

“We agreed how important it is to continue sharing information and capabilities when it came to combating the terrorist threat and I heard about the good work already being implemented by airlines and airports to protect the travelling public.

“I look forward to continuing this close engagement as we all work together on the safety and the security of our air travel.”

Secretary Nielsen said: “I am grateful for the close collaboration with our UK partners, air cargo, airline and airport leaders in raising the global bar for aviation security. Our enemies continue to target the transportation sector, and we must work together—both government and the private sector—to keep passengers safe.

“Efforts by the United States and United Kingdom to secure air travel will continue to protect travellers and flights around the globe. Our roundtable was productive, and it laid the foundations for future engagement to counter emerging threats. I look forward to continuing these conversations with industry leaders and advancing new ideas to protect the travelling public.”