Sir, Airline passengers are not the only victims of the recent chaos at British airports. How many of us realise that a high percentage of Britain’s fresh food is imported in passenger aircraft? The increased demand for passenger luggage space has drastically and abruptly reduced this supply. Much of it is food that could and should be grown in this country.

The Government urgently needs to act to stem the relentless decline in British farming, some of it irreversible. Its neglect of this vital industry leaves the whole country vulnerable, not only to terrorist threats but also to other events. The threats may not be predictable but the need for secure food supplies is staring us in the face.

N. S. PURDOM
Wembley, Middx

Sir, easyJet is not considering suing the UK Government over the recent emergency security measures (report, Aug 17; letters, Aug 18).

The first duty of any government is to protect its citizens and EasyJet commends the UK Government for acting decisively. However, this incident highlights again the inadequacies of the European rules for compensating travellers, which were introduced in February 2005. These oblige airlines to provide assistance in the form of hotels when flights are cancelled regardless of the reason for cancellation.

Common sense dictates that airlines should be responsible if the cancellation is their fault, but if the cause is the responsibility of other parties, eg, airports or air traffic control, they should be liable. If the cause is some other exogenous factor such as weather, war or terrorism, and the Government wishes to recompense the consumer, then the taxpayer, ie, all the other consumers, should pay.

EasyJet delivers outstanding value to its customers with an average fare of just over £40. These ludicrous compensation rules are well intentioned but nuts, and act against the interests of all consumers.

The Government must correct this as a matter of urgency.

ANDREW HARRISON
Chief executive, easyJet

Sir, The impudence of the “cheap” airlines is breathtaking. Air security should be financed through fares — not subsidised by non-flying taxpayers. Imagine the outcry if the car industry, as a result of its vastly greater death rate, demanded money from taxes to provide safer vehicles.

SIR ANTHONY GRANT
Oxshott, Surrey

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