AN MP has asked the government for a new approach to Sikhs who are asked to remove their turbans at airport security.

Addressing the House of Commons, MP for Dartford Gareth Johnson pointed out the distress caused to Sikhs when turbans can be searched and unravelled by airport security officers.

Mr Johnson said: “We should recognise that there are other measures that could be employed that could protect security without distressing people.

“The Secretary of State recognised that we have to find a balance.

“We need to protect the security of passengers whilst recognising the importance of the turban to the followers of the Sikh religion.”

North Kent has a large Sikh community in Gravesend.