Just how much training have these "sky marshalls" had for the job? What is their background etc? How well have they been screened?
Big difference between (ex) SAS personnel and perhaps, ahem, certain private companies which are used, say, to guard some of our prisoners in the UK.
Could terrorist groups infiltrate the "sky marshall" network?
I am very pleased that BALPA are making representations on behalf of the pilots. My perception is, contrary to Alistair Darling's recent statement, that there has been very little if any consultation with such bodies and I would rather trust pilots to make such decisions based on the facts rather than politicians who have other vested interests at heart!