As part of stepped up security measures to "protect British lives at home and in the air," new rules requiring doubtful passengers at Heathrow and Manchester airports to go through full-body scanners before boarding their flights came into force Monday.
In a written statement to the House of Commons, Transport Secretary Lord Adonis said it was now compulsory for people selected to undergo scanning, and those who decline "will not be permitted to fly."
The British government directed the two airports to install the scanners permanently from February in the wake of global scare prompted by an unsuccessful attempt by a young Nigerian to bomb a U.S.-bound airliner from Amsterdam on Christmas Day.
A scanner will be installed at Birmingham airport later this month.
Although the Department of Transport has introduced an interim code of practice covering privacy, health and safety, data protection and equality issues requiring airports to undertake scanning "sensitively," the controversial body-scanner has already faced criticism as it brings out nude image of the passengers' body.
Under increasing threats of terrorist attacks, Britain has strengthened security measures recently.
The British government has agreed with Yemenia airlines to suspend direct flights to London until security was improved.
U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has implemented mandatory screening of passengers from 14 countries deemed to be sponsors of terrorism, including full body pat-downs prior to boarding for all U.S.-bound planes, checking of carry-on baggage and random checks.
Cuba, Iran, Sudan, Nigeria, Afghanistan, Algeria, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Somalia and Yemen are the other countries singled out by the US for special checks.
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