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Science in emergencies: chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear incidents inquiry launched

The Science and Technology Committee is undertaking an inquiry into science advice in relation to planning for and responding to chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear (CBRN) incidents.

Background

CBRN emergencies include events such as industrial fires, chemical contamination and nuclear accidents. The inquiry follows previous Committee reports on Scientific advice and evidence in emergenciesin 2011 and Science in Emergencies: UK lessons from Ebola in January 2016. The inquiry coincides with the 5th anniversary of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster in Japan and the 30th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster in Ukraine.

Send written submissions

The Committee welcomes written submissions by Friday 20 May 2016 on the following issues:

  • How prepared the Government is for a CBRN emergency;
  • The extent to which the Government currently works with scientists and others to identify and assess CBRN risks, and to communicate public advice;
  • The use of scientific evidence in informing current CBRN emergency response plans;
  • The mechanisms that are in place to allow scientific advice to be provided to Government in the event of a CBRN emergency, and to share information and response strategies across Government and with local government.

CBRN incidents may also occur as a result of terrorism. In this context, the Committee will be focusing on scientific advice in assessing the possible consequences of incidents and in formulating the necessary response. The Committee does not intend to examine counter-terrorism strategies or the assessment of the likelihood of terrorism-related incidents.

Send a written submission via the Science in emergencies: chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear incidents inquiry page

Channel website: http://www.parliament.uk/

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