A latching device comprising: at least one conductive member at least one magnetic field at least one latch member that, prior to latching, moves independently to the at least one conductive member; a kinematic relationship between the at least one conductive member and at least one magnetic field that enables the at least one conductive member to move at a different speed relative to the at least one magnetic field on application of an energizing force, thereby inducing an eddy current drag force by relative movement of the at least one conductive member in the at least one magnetic field; characterised in that the eddy current drag force causes movement of the at least one conductive member about a point or line causing at least part of the at least one conductive member or a member therefrom to engage the at least one latch member thereby halting movement between the at least one conductive member and the at least one latch member; and wherein: (i) the at least one conductive member is attached to a body member that also moves at least partially with the at least one conductive member and, when the at least one conductive member engages with the at least one latch member, movement of the body member also stops relative to the at least one latch member; or (ii) the conductive member is attached to a body member that is stationary and the latching member and magnetic field move relative to the conductive member and when the at least one conductive member engages with the latch member, movement of the latch member stops relative to the body member. at least one conductive member at least one magnetic field at least one latch member that, prior to latching, moves independently to the at least one conductive member; a kinematic relationship between the at least one conductive member and at least one magnetic field that enables the at least one conductive member to move at a different speed relative to the at least one magnetic field on application of an energizing force, thereby inducing an eddy current drag force by relative movement of the at least one conductive member in the at least one magnetic field; characterised in that the eddy current drag force causes movement of the at least one conductive member about a point or line causing at least part of the at least one conductive member or a member therefrom to engage the at least one latch member thereby halting movement between the at least one conductive member and the at least one latch member; and wherein: (i) the at least one conductive member is attached to a body member that also moves at least partially with the at least one conductive member and, when the at least one conductive member engages with the at least one latch member, movement of the body member also stops relative to the at least one latch member; or (ii) the conductive member is attached to a body member that is stationary and the latching member and magnetic field move relative to the conductive member and when the at least one conductive member engages with the latch member, movement of the latch member stops relative to the body member. (i) the at least one conductive member is attached to a body member that also moves at least partially with the at least one conductive member and, when the at least one conductive member engages with the at least one latch member, movement of the body member also stops relative to the at least one latch member; or (ii) the conductive member is attached to a body member that is stationary and the latching member and magnetic field move relative to the conductive member and when the at least one conductive member engages with the latch member, movement of the latch member stops relative to the body member.