David Blunkett: Programme Cyclamen equipment provides the capability to routinely screen all forms of traffic at UK points of entry for the illicit movement of radioactive materials. Screening operations commenced in April. For security reasons it would not in the public interest to be more specific.
David Blunkett: ...Madrid. Programme Cyclamen is an ongoing programme of work, which commenced in April 2003 covering the routine screening of all forms of traffic, at UK ports of entry, for the illicit movement of radioactive materials. It is one element of the Government's strategy to reduce the threat of terrorist attack.
David Blunkett: The United Kingdom has been prominent in negotiations to revise the International Atomic Energy Authority's Code of Conduct on the Safety and Security of Radioactive Sources which was agreed in September 2003. The UK was among the first to express an intention to implement the code and encourage all other countries to do the same. The UK was also prominent in negotiating action plans within...
David Blunkett: ...on radiological protection issues and provided a significant input to the guidance to the NHS. The national health service (NHS) has long-standing plans for responding to incidents involving radioactivity and these have been well exercised. The NHS has practical experience of responding to accidental releases of radioactive material. This experience provides a basic platform for dealing...
David Blunkett: In the event of radioactive contamination following a radiological bomb the immediate danger is still from any injuries sustained. Therefore, the basic principle is that treatment of serious or life-threatening injuries must take priority over radiation monitoring or decontamination. Health risks from radioactive contamination are less immediate and there is therefore time to assess the level...