News, views and top stories in your inbox. Don't miss our must-read newsletter Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Britain's anti-terror chief launched an astonishing attack on airport security staff after they stopped her taking a banned amount of liquid onto a plane.

Home Office minister Baroness Neville-Jones, in charge of national security, was en route to a Washington summit when she was found to have an over-sized aerosol can in her bag.

Strict rules for the amount of fluids permitted in hand luggage were introduced in 2006 after al-Qaeda plotters came close to blowing up seven aircraft in mid-air using liquid explosives hidden in drink bottles.

Since then only liquids of less than 100ml have been permitted in cabin bags on all flights from British and US airports.

The Baroness was ticked off by border staff, who did not recognise her. But she took offence when they told her how important security is.

The 71-year-old Baroness, known for being haughty, ranted: “Of course I know how important it is, I’m the Security Minister.”

Ironically, the former head of the British Joint Intelligence Committee was on her way to discuss the war on terror with US security chiefs.

Her outburst at Heathrow Airport came just two days before an ink cartridge containing explosives was found in Britain on a US-bound cargo plane.

A Whitehall source said: “No one could believe it when they heard about the rant. After all, the border staff were only doing their job.

“These rules are in place because of the threat this country faces from extremists and should apply to everyone no matter how important they think they are.” The Baroness, Dame Pauline Neville-Jones before her elevation by David Cameron to the House of Lords, flew to Washington 10 days ago.

She made a speech at the Brookings Institute think tank there about clamping down on pro-terror internet sites.

On Monday, she told the House of Lords: “The view the Government takes is that airport security is extraordinarily important. We cannot let our guard down.”

Wealthy Baroness Neville- Jones was a diplomat until 1996.She was made a peer in 2007 and appointed Security Minister when the ConDem coalition came to power in May.

Last night, a Home Office spokesman said: “Liquids were inadvertently left in a bag. The item was removed and the ­Minister fully complied with subsequent checks.

“Of course, she respects and complies with all airport security procedures.”

justin.penrose@sundaymirror.co.uk