Posted on 01/24/2007 7:54:14 PM PST by blam
Toxins ban to beat terrorist threat
By Laura Clout
Last Updated: 2:34am GMT 25/01/2007
Ministers are planning to restrict the use of nearly 60 types of toxins and pathogens amid increasing concern over the biological threat from terrorists.
Two months ago the head of MI5, Dame Eliza Manningham-Buller, warned that al-Qa’eda terrorists were plotting mass casualty suicide attacks and would unleash chemical or biological attacks given the chance.
The Home Office yesterday moved to meet that threat by publishing orders which will ban people from holding samples of viruses such as rabies, polio, influenza and herpes B.
They add three types of salmonella bacteria and two types of poisonous fungi to a list contained in the Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001.
The Home Office minister Tony McNulty said last night: “The terror threat is always changing and we must adapt to ensure it is combated effectively. As terrorists look for new ways to endanger life, we have to take action to be one step ahead.”
In her speech at Queen Mary’s College, London, in November, Dame Eliza said that an estimated 200 groups of more than 1,600 individuals were actively engaged in plotting terror attacks in the UK and abroad.
“Tomorrow’s threat may — I suggest will — include the use of chemicals, bacteriological agents, radioactive materials and even nuclear technology,” she warned.
The orders published yesterday follow a review by a group of governmental bodies of the existing pathogens and viruses listed as controlled substances under the Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001.
Ministers now plan to increase the number of restricted agents to 103, including 45 viruses, 21 bacteria, 18 animal pathogens, 13 toxins, and two fungi.
The orders specify that the Secretary of State should be satisfied that terrorists could use the substances to “endanger life or cause serious harm to human health”.
One order issued yesterday includes pathogens and toxins which could affect humans and a second listed animal pathogens.
That adds 18 animal pathogens including foot and mouth, African swine fever, goat pox and Rift Valley fever to the list. Scientists who wish to use the deadly viruses and bacteria named in the list can now expect to undergo strict vetting procedures by police and government safety inspectors.
Ping
Do they really believe terrorist are going to abide by this law? They're really that stupid?
Like the Brit's now have to inform Islamists when they're going to do a raid!
I'm for limiting the possession of these toxins - it's not like banning guns. Who defends themselves with a rabies virus? Hunts with salmonella?
But what does that accomplish in the fight against terrorists? They aren't going to comply. Besides terrorists, who else would have such items?
Ping.
Thanks blam :-)
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