Tighter restrictions on hand luggage at Heathrow could cause long-term damage to the UK economy, Spelthorne's MP has declared.

Conservative MP David Wilshire has asked the government to drop the new rules, except for the ban on liquids, which were put into place last month following the news of a foiled terror plot to blow up US-bound planes leaving Britain.

He said if the UK government does not fall into line soon, and bring hand luggage restrictions into line with those of other EU airports, the consequences will be long-term. He cited damage to the City of London and redundancies for people working at Heathrow as examples.

Many of Mr Wilshire's constituents work for BAA, Heathrow's owners. As a result he has started discussions with BAA and airlines about how to handle such major incidents in the future.

Mr Wilshire said: "Over 30 per cent of passengers using Heathrow are arriving at Heathrow with the standard amount of hand-baggage and duty free but are then told that they cannot leave Heathrow with it in the cabin.

"As a result many transit passengers are switching to hub airports in France, Germany and the Netherlands. Significant numbers of these people are business class passengers on whom airlines often depend for their profit."

The MP plans to ask the House of Commons Transport Select Committee, of which he is a member, for an enquiry "to see what lessons can be learned."