ALL passengers flying into or out of the UK are being advised to ensure electronic and electrical devices in hand luggage are sufficiently charged to be switched on.

Extra security checks came in at some UK airports last week for flights to the US, but these will now be extended.

The government advises that checks apply to unspecified flights to and from the UK. It comes after an apparent terror threat prompted the US to announce extra security checks last week.

But the Department for Transport (DfT) has now issued updated guidelines, saying: “In line with the US advice, passengers on some routes into and out of the UK may now also be required to show that electronic devices in their hand luggage are powered up or face not being allowed to bring the device onto the aircraft.

“Passengers flying into or out of the UK are therefore advised to make sure electronic devices being carried in their hand luggage are charged before they travel.”

The department said that “for obvious reasons” it would not elaborate on the routes affected.

“We will work with the aviation industry to minimise disruption as far as possible,” said a spokesman.

As well as mobile phones and laptops, the guidance set out by the DfT also includes a range of other electronic devices such as electrical shavers, travel irons, hairdryers, hair-straighteners and cameras or any other camera equipment.

Prime Minister David Cameron’s official spokesman said the tightening of security measures at airports reflected “the fact that there are terror organisations that seek to do UK citizens, the UK and citizens of other countries harm”.

Meanwhile, emergency laws will be brought in next week to force phone and internet companies to hold records of customers’ calls, texts and visits to websites.

The fast-track measures are necessary to defend national security against the terrorist threat from Iraq and Syria, David Cameron said. The consequences of not acting are “grave”, the Prime Minister said.

The measures are a response to a ruling by the European Court of Justice which struck down regulations that enabled communications companies from retaining data for police use for a year.

Internet and phone companies will soon start deleting it – a move that will have “serious consequences” for police and counter-terror investigations, Downing Street said.