So we were body scanned at Boston using the new full scanners(complete with having to stand still with arms in the air for a minute), frisked, bags scanned, shoes sniffed and all the usual malarky. That’s it we thought as we landed at Heathrow, exited customs and trundles off to the Yotel for a 4 hour kip. Oh no, Mr Fogg got picked on by the “necessary” security guard poised at the Yotel entrance to check that he wasn’t smuggling anything untoward into the Yotel. Despite protests by Mr Fogg that we had already been through full checks, ten year old “I don’t speak English well” security boy proceeded to rip apart Mr Foggs rucksack, inspect everything in there, dirty briefs, old tissues, pen. you name it. and then proceeded to swab EVERYTHING in minute detail for explosives, drugs or whatever! All the while trying to explain in broken English why he had to check Mr Fogg was not intent on causing harm to the airport during a 4 hour kip.

Now we all know how patient Mr Fogg is with things like this, security bod received a polite but disgruntled telling off but still continued to swap everything in sight and sound of Mr Fogg. Fifteen minutes later and even the Receptionist at the hotel had offered us sympathy drinks and still bod was faffing around.

Finally, Mr Fogg was then asked to sign and print his name to confirm he had been fully tested and swabbed. Why asked Mr Fogg? Said security bod then looked shattered and could only offer ” it’s to confirm I am doing my job, it’s not used for anything”( well we think that’s what he said).

Needless to say that Mr Fogg did not sign said piece of paper!

I ask you, we expect to travel across country boundaries and be subject to the usual security checks, but to be frisked just trying to enter a pod hotel in our home country. The UK has gone mad and is not aided by jumped up little security boys who cannot even speak our language. What a waste if time and energy. Thing is, we hade two wire wrapped rucksacks. two personal rucksacks and two personal handbags. But little jobsworth only wanted to swab the one rucksack content. Is that really security??

Welcome to England, once pleasant land.

At least the Americans admit they are paranoid!

Grrr.