UK Anti-terrorist security, I don't know whether to laugh or cry.

[Sunday Driver]

My experience goes back to the early 80's when I had to make regular business trips to and from Northen Ireland.  Height of the Troubles, full baggage searches, etc.  Everyone had to queue up to be subjected to the cold stare of the Special Branch....

One day, coming off the plane at Newcastle, the SB on duty turned out to be a mate of mine.  His "Hiya Dave, how y're doing marra" raised my kudos no end with the other regulars...[:)]

On one return trip, there were a load of off duty squaddies who'd had a bit too much to drink.  When we got to Newcastle, they told the rest of us to disembark first, then a big beared Geordie copper with an Alsation climbed on board.....