British government asks airlines not to allow Snowden on flights to UK

The UK government has issued an alert to airlines around the world, urging them not to allow former US intelligence contractor Edward Snowden to board flights to the United Kingdom.

The alert, dated Monday on a Home Office letterhead, said carriers should deny Mr Snowden boarding because “the individual is highly likely to be refused entry to the UK”.

The Associated Press saw a photograph of the document taken today at a Thai airport. A British diplomat confirmed that the document was genuine and was sent out to airlines around the world.

Mr Snowden revealed top-secret documents about US National Security Agency surveillance programmes and is believed to be in Hong Kong. No warrants for his arrest have been issued.

Separately, the attorney general of the United States said the whistleblower would be caught.

Eric Holder insisted the defence contractor turned fugitive Mr Snowden had damaged US national security and the safety of Americans and their allies.

“I can assure you that we will hold accountable the person who is responsible for these extremely damaging leaks,” Mr Holder said.

“The national security of the United States has been damaged as a result of these leaks. The safety of the American people, the safety of the people who reside in allied nations have been put at risk as a result of these leaks.

“We are presently in the process of this investigation and I am confident that the person who is responsible will be held accountable.”

Mr Holder is in Dublin for talks with European Union home affairs and justice ministers and officials.

PA