Menu
25/10/2004
UK must act now to defend itself against bio-terrorism, says BMA
If the development of biological and genetic weapons is not curtailed, it will be "virtually impossible" for Britain to defend itself from terrorist bio-weapons attack, according to the British Medical Association (BMA).
The association's new report, 'Biotechnology, Weapons and Humanity II', has painted a bleak picture of the global community's ability to cope with advances in biological and genetic weapons technology, and warned that the "window of opportunity" to take action is shrinking fast.
Today's BMA report, which is a follow up to its first study in 1999, analysed whether terrorist attacks like 9/11, anthrax attacks in the US in 2001 and the Moscow Theatre siege in 2002 have impacted on the development of biological weapons.
The study considered the dangers of nightmare scenarios where bio-terrorists re-create the 1918 'Spanish' flu; damage the agricultural industry and food production through crop viruses; render smallpox vaccines useless by modifying immune response; and create agents that attack the immune and nervous system.
Dr Vivienne Nathanson, the BMA's head of science and ethics, said: "The situation today is arguably worse than it was when we published our last report five years ago. The very existence of international laws to protect us is being questioned, the anthrax attacks in the US in 2001 caused widespread panic and fear, and most worryingly of all, it's never been easier to develop biological weapons – all you have to do is look on the internet."
She added: "This report does not make comfortable reading but it is essential that governments take action on this issue now. If we wait too long it will be virtually impossible to defend ourselves."
Key recommendations from the report include strengthening the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC) when it comes up for review in 2006. Governments should also commit to supporting the appeal of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on biological weapons, and scientists must be aware of how their work might impact on legal and ethical norms that prohibit the development and use of biological weapons.
The report has been sent to the Foreign Secretary, to relevant government departments and international agencies.
(gmcg/sp)
The association's new report, 'Biotechnology, Weapons and Humanity II', has painted a bleak picture of the global community's ability to cope with advances in biological and genetic weapons technology, and warned that the "window of opportunity" to take action is shrinking fast.
Today's BMA report, which is a follow up to its first study in 1999, analysed whether terrorist attacks like 9/11, anthrax attacks in the US in 2001 and the Moscow Theatre siege in 2002 have impacted on the development of biological weapons.
The study considered the dangers of nightmare scenarios where bio-terrorists re-create the 1918 'Spanish' flu; damage the agricultural industry and food production through crop viruses; render smallpox vaccines useless by modifying immune response; and create agents that attack the immune and nervous system.
Dr Vivienne Nathanson, the BMA's head of science and ethics, said: "The situation today is arguably worse than it was when we published our last report five years ago. The very existence of international laws to protect us is being questioned, the anthrax attacks in the US in 2001 caused widespread panic and fear, and most worryingly of all, it's never been easier to develop biological weapons – all you have to do is look on the internet."
She added: "This report does not make comfortable reading but it is essential that governments take action on this issue now. If we wait too long it will be virtually impossible to defend ourselves."
Key recommendations from the report include strengthening the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention (BTWC) when it comes up for review in 2006. Governments should also commit to supporting the appeal of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on biological weapons, and scientists must be aware of how their work might impact on legal and ethical norms that prohibit the development and use of biological weapons.
The report has been sent to the Foreign Secretary, to relevant government departments and international agencies.
(gmcg/sp)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
05 February 2004
Libya adopts Chemical Weapons Convention
Weapons inspectors have met with the Libyan government today as the Chemical Weapons Convention, which the country adopted last month, comes into force. A team from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) were in Tripoli today after Libya became the 159th State to join the convention.
Libya adopts Chemical Weapons Convention
Weapons inspectors have met with the Libyan government today as the Chemical Weapons Convention, which the country adopted last month, comes into force. A team from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) were in Tripoli today after Libya became the 159th State to join the convention.
03 October 2003
Straw claims WMD report backs case for Iraq war
The Foreign Secretary has claimed that the report into Iraq's weapons programme provides "conclusive and incontrovertible evidence" that Iraq had breached UN resolutions.
Straw claims WMD report backs case for Iraq war
The Foreign Secretary has claimed that the report into Iraq's weapons programme provides "conclusive and incontrovertible evidence" that Iraq had breached UN resolutions.
09 March 2011
£4M For Nuclear Security Abroad
The UK will make a contribution of £4M to the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Nuclear Security Fund for 2011-13. This will support work to enhance global nuclear security. The contribution was made at the IAEA’s Board of Governors meeting this week in Vienna.
£4M For Nuclear Security Abroad
The UK will make a contribution of £4M to the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Nuclear Security Fund for 2011-13. This will support work to enhance global nuclear security. The contribution was made at the IAEA’s Board of Governors meeting this week in Vienna.
19 April 2004
'Harmful' scientific research should be vetted, says Royal Society
Proposals for scientific research should be vetted to prevent harmful applications such as the development of biological weapons, the UK national academy of science will tell a United Nations meeting today.
'Harmful' scientific research should be vetted, says Royal Society
Proposals for scientific research should be vetted to prevent harmful applications such as the development of biological weapons, the UK national academy of science will tell a United Nations meeting today.
19 January 2004
Bio-weapons treaties 'weakened' by absence of watchdog
International restrictions on biological and toxin-related weapons have been "critically weakened" due to the absence of an independent verification body, the Royal Society urged today.
Bio-weapons treaties 'weakened' by absence of watchdog
International restrictions on biological and toxin-related weapons have been "critically weakened" due to the absence of an independent verification body, the Royal Society urged today.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
