US plans to extend the so-called ‘laptop ban’ to European airports has been plunged into confusion after officials in Washington denied reports from Brussels that the idea had been scrapped.
An announcement on the potential ban for electronics larger than the size of a smart phone had been anticipated following a call between John Kelly, the Homeland Security Secretary and European Home Affairs Commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos and Transport Commissioner Violeta Bulc.
Following the call, a senior EU official told the Telegraph: “No ban. Both sides have agreed to intensify technical talks and try to find a common solution.”
Although within hours a contradictory statement issued on Kelly’s behalf insisted that the proposed ban was “still on the table”.
The statement added: “Secretary Kelly affirmed he will implement any and all measures necessary to secure commercial aircraft flying to the United States – including prohibiting large electronic devices from the passenger cabin – if the intelligence and threat level warrant it.”
The ban was introduced by President Trump in March on flights to the US from eight mainly-Muslim countries and country affects 10 airports.
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