FWIW I think this article is sensationalism to a degree. I haven't seen the programme (v Mary Whitehouse!!) but I have some knowledge of this subject - my business supplies oceans of the stuff alluded to in the article and we take security seriously - as do the authorities who pay us (welcome) visits to advise.

The telling phrase for me is Researchers for Channel 4's Dispatches programme used a commercial detonator to explode their "bomb" at Lasham airfield, Hants.

Crikey. IIRC you can blow a decent hole in most things with a commercial detonator without much else to help it along...

Also FWIW I agree with the 100ml limit. Yes, it's a ball-ache but you can plan your way around it to minimise personal inconvenience. The potential downside of relaxing this rule are, IMHO, not worth it.

I realise this response may result in my reaping the whirlwind somewhat, but I write as someone who knows a little about this subject while trying not to give too much detail on a public board.

While I get as frustrated as others posting at what seem to be Draconian interpretations of the rules by individual security folk, I really think the principle behind the restriction is sound.