Transport Secretary Philip Hammond has today confirmed that the UK will not comply with the first phase in the lifting of EU restrictions on liquids in airline hand luggage on 29th April.

The partial relaxation of the liquids ban, which comes into force across the EU from the end of the month, will allow passengers on long-haul flights from outside the EU to carry duty-free liquids on connecting flights within EU borders.

Brian Simpson MEP, Chair of the European Parliament's Transport Committee, which has overseen the introduction and lifting of the rules said in reaction to Mr Hammond's decision: "I am very disappointed that the UK government has decided not to comply with the planned partial lifting of the airport liquids ban. I challenge Mr Hammond's assertion that adequate technology to screen liquids is not ready as I am assured by the European Commission that the new machinery to do so is ready."

"This is not a question of security but a matter of airports calling on the Government not to implement the changes in a money-saving attempt, despite British airports being given ample time to purchase and install the technology. I fear that Mr Hammond has just caved-in to the Heathrow lobby", added the senior Labour MEP.

"Travellers will now face unnecessary confusion when flying in Europe, with different rules in place at different airports. As Heathrow carries millions of transfer passengers, the knock-on effect across Europe will be highly disruptive for travellers".

"I am in full agreement with EU Transport Commissioner Siim Kallas that lifting the restrictions for transit passengers at the end of this month is an essential step towards the removal of the entire ban in 2013 and all EU countries should be working towards that together".