Several constituents have contacted Ms. Lockhart in recent months, outlining situations where they felt humiliated, degraded, and their dignity stripped away during searches. These cases echo a now widely-shared account published online, which has triggered national concern and raised serious questions about how passengers with medical needs are treated in UK airports.

Following sustained correspondence with airport management, senior officials have now agreed to fly from London to meet personally with Carla Lockhart MP and those affected, in order to hear firsthand the impact of current procedures and to work towards lasting, respectful change.

Speaking on the issue, Carla Lockhart MP said:

“My own Dad was a stoma patient, so I am deeply aware of the challenges individuals face daily, both physically and emotionally. A stoma is not just a medical condition; it is a life-changing adaptation that requires understanding, privacy, and compassion.

To hear from constituents that they have been made to feel embarrassed, exposed, and disrespected while going through airport security is completely unacceptable. These are not isolated incidents, they reflect a wider lack of awareness and training that must urgently be addressed.

The very idea that someone would consider cancelling travel plans or living in fear of flying because of how they might be treated at security is a damning indictment of the system as it stands.

I welcome the decision from airport leaders to meet with me and those affected. It is vital that they hear directly from people who have lived this experience, only then can we drive forward meaningful change.

This is not about pointing fingers; it’s about doing better. Every passenger, regardless of medical need, deserves to be treated with dignity, sensitivity, and respect. Airport management need to act. It is not the security team, it is the policies and procedures that need urgently reformed.

I have also reached out to Belfast City Airport to ensure that learning and training needs are shared between both Airports.”

Carla Lockhart MP has confirmed that she will continue working with relevant stakeholders including advocacy groups, healthcare professionals, and the Civil Aviation Authority to ensure airport screening procedures across the UK are aligned with best practice, medically informed, and centred on compassion.