The Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) has responded to the allegations that at least two of the detainees suspected of carrying out the bomb plots last weekend in London and at Glasgow Airport were locum doctors.

Chair of the REC medical sector group, Kim Marie-Freeston, says: "Locum doctor agencies thoroughly vet the doctors they place. Checks are carried out by both the Criminal Records Bureau and the GMC. 

 “Recruitment agencies are also bound by the Employment Agencies Act which requires them to follow up all references thoroughly when placing medical staff.

“Agencies that are part of the NHS PASA framework agreement follow a strict Code of Practice to assist with the recruitment of healthcare professionals and are also audited by the NHS on an annual basis."