There have been 39 lapses in security against terrorism in the British nuclear industry in the last year. The failings were highlighted in a report from the Office for Civil Nuclear Security (OCNS), the government watchdog responsible for ensuring power stations and radioactive waste facilities are protected from terror attacks. The lapses in security included eight breaches in information security, such as laptop, theft as well as a number of breaches in site security and nuclear transports. These included lighting causing alarm faults and a failure of main power in the control room.
In light of the recent terror alert at the UK’s airports, environmentalists are calling for security to be tightened and the OCNS has itself warned of complacency in regards to security measures against terrorists.
“Assessments suggest no major damage has occurred through these lapses in security but the fact they continue to happen reinforces the enduring need to combat complacency,” explained an OCNS spokesperson.
Overall OCNS director Roger Bunt concluded civil nuclear security was satisfactory: “I am satisfied the security of the nuclear materials has not been prejudiced,” he said.
However, not everyone has been reassured. Friends of the Earth chief executive Duncan McLaren feels the incidents are disturbing as the threat of terrorism continues to grow.
“They may appear trivial to some, but if they are not acted upon the nuclear industry is literally leaving the door open for those who might wish to deliberately do mischief or worse,” he added.
Security failings increase risk of terrorist attack
