THE extra costs of stricter security checks at EU airports, in the aftermath of September 11, should not fall on the shoulders of hard-pressed airlines and airports says Gary Titley, North West Euro MP.

During a debate on civil aviation security at the European Parliament in Strasbourg he, along with MEPs from across the political spectrum, gave his backing to new measures designed to boost airport security.

But he told MEPs that the events of September 11 had "severely affected" the airline industry in the EU and the additional security costs could force some out of business.