THE European Parliament is to vote on setting up an investigative committee into CIA torture flights some of which have reportedly passed through Biggin Hill airport.

The flights, known as renditions, are alleged to have carried prisoners through at least 19 UK airports to countries where torture is common, such as Egypt.

Since September 11, at least 11 flights are believed to have passed through Biggin Hill airport.

The European Parliament's Conference of Presidents, made up of the heads of its political groups, voted for setting up the committee last week and the entire parliament is due to vote on it today.

Ann Garrett, of Bromley and Beckenham Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, which staged a protest outside the airport against rendition flights, said: "I welcome this as it's so important we get the truth and the facts. Nothing should be covered up."

Airport chiefs have denied the flights ever passed through the airport.