Amid the frustration and delays of airport immigration halls a new beacon of welcome could soon make travellers feel a little more welcome: a Tory MP has tabled a motion calling for the introduction of traditional tea trolleys.

The idea was suggested to Michael Fabricant, MP for Lichfield, by Mark Price, the managing director of Waitrose. “I have travelled quite widely and I don’t think that any country offers this,” Mr Fabricant told The Times. “It would be a world first.”

He said that he was sure that foreign tourists, as well as British passengers, would appreciate the service. “It wouldn’t do the Government any harm to compensate people for the long waits they’re now experiencing at passport controls,” he added.

Mr Price said: “I do a lot of foreign travel and I have been progressively disappointed with how poor it feels when you return home. The whole experience is pretty bleak. I thought wouldn’t it be nice if, when you arrived in the UK, you were greeted with a nice cup of tea.”

Tea ladies would be chosen for their cheerfulness, the pair said.

Four other MPs have backed the motion. The Home Office declined to comment. BAA, the airport operator, said that it welcomed any suggestions “to improve the passenger experience”.

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