MPs urge crackdown on laser pens after attacks on aircraft in Leeds

There is increasing concern about the pens being shone in the eyes of pilots and there are now calls for certain high-powered devices to be banned.

The issue was raised during transport questions in the House of Commons with Patrick McLoughlin telling MPs it was already an offence to try and “dazzle or distract” a pilot with a laser pen, as he promised to keep existing measures under review.

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“Anybody found guilty of this offence could be liable up to a fine of a maximum of £2,500,” the Transport Secretary said.

“Anybody found guilty of endangering an aircraft could also be liable up to five years imprisonment.

“But we will of course keep this under review.”

But Greg Mulholland, the Liberal Democrat MP for Leeds North West, said the Government must go further.

“The fact is that more needs to be done,” he said.

“Half of pilots over the last 12 months have reported a laser pen attack.

“It’s a particular problem around Leeds Bradford Airport.

“What now can be considered, such as perhaps licensing or even classification of these as offensive weapons, to actually really put a stop to this dangerous practice?”

Mr McLoughlin replied: “There are a number of measures that are being considered right across government departments.

“It is something that I take very seriously, particularly in light of certain recent events that have been reported.”

Meanwhile, Rehman Chishti, the Tory MP for Gillingham and Rainham, presented his Laser Pens (Regulation of Sale, Ownership and Usage) Bill to the Commons earlier this week.

The Bill would ban certain high-powered laser pens.

Mr Chishti called on Mr McLoughlin to discuss the Bill with Michael Gove and to back it.

Mr McLoughlin said: “I am aware of your Bill and I can assure you that not only will I talk to the Secretary of State for Justice but we are talking across other government departments as well.”