Security failures at British nuclear plants spark terror fears
Security failures at British nuclear plants spark terror fears
Security failures at British nuclear sites have been revealed by government investigators, raising fears of a terrorist attack. The incidents, which even included a burglary, were uncovered by the Office for Civil Nuclear Safety (OCNS), an arm of the UK Atomic Energy Authority. The watchdog’s reports are not normally published, but have come to light because of the Freedom of Information Act. During the 12 months ending April 2004, the agency recorded more than 40 security breaches, including eight incidents it classified as "failures of security leading to unacceptable or undesirable consequences". The disclosure could not come at a worse time for the government, which is preparing to authorise the controversial construction of a new generation of nuclear power stations later this year. The security failures identified in the report included: * Security guards at nuclear plants failed to respond to intruder alarms when a burglary was in progress; * Two unauthorised people were able to walk unchallenged around restricted areas; * Classified information was left exposed to theft or electronic interception. Several laptops and at least one CD containing restricted data were stolen; * Carelessness in handling documents meant that "sensitive" documents were found by members of the public. While the breaches were not violations of security around nuclear material itself, access to information about the operations and lay-out of nuclear sites could make the difference between a terrorist attack succeeding and failing. Since the Twin Towers attacks on 11 September, 2001, security has been stepped up at sensitive British sites including nuclear plants. Last year, the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology, which advises MPs, found that while nuclear plants were relatively well protected, the disclosure of information could make them vulnerable. A ground-based attack "would require detailed site-specific knowledge of plant operations and design", the office concluded. The OCNS report said that at least one attempt to gain access to restricted sites was foiled when two individuals with forged papers were turned away as they tried to enter a rail yard. While government spokesmen would not identify which nuclear plants were involved in the security breaches, it is understood that the incidents were spread across all civil atomic facilities in Britain. There are seven active nuclear sites in Scotland. Norman Baker, the Liberal Democrat environment spokesman, said the flaws revealed by the OCNS report had damaged the case for nuclear power. "The nuclear industry always has the potential to cause environmental, security and terrorism problems, which is why it is more important for the industry to follow correct procedures and precautions than if it was making baked beans," he said. "It is now clear that the industry has not been following those procedures." The Department of Trade and Industry has responsibility for the nuclear sector and the OCNS. A spokesman said: "The director of Civil Nuclear Security has undiminished confidence in existing security arrangements. These have been significantly enhanced since 11 September, 2001, and are continually reviewed."
