ATNotts, we're both on the same page!
However, in the Government's defence they may have expected BHX to initiate/handle the correct security measures themselves. Hang on a minute, that's assuming some degree of common sense that's obviously lacking in both organisations. The suggestion made that he was photographing the passengers on these flights was a physical impossibility. The aircraft were either landing or taxying. Most of the gates used cannot be seen from the spotting area.
There's been nothing more from the person concerned so doubt if he's got anything meaningful to add. Of course, now the flights have stopped then the problem has gone away. Apparently, there was also confusion amongst various media outlets on whether they were allowed to mention BHX by name in their reports. Sky News said "a large Midlands airport" whilst BBC Midlands Today identified it as BHX. Seeing passengers disembarking on the outside of an airbridge and poor attempts to blot out advertising meant it could only be BHX.