Posted on 08/17/2002 2:17:45 PM PDT by Wallaby
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BRITAIN ON STANDBY FOR NUKE STRIKE; SECRET PLAN TO EVACUATE MILLIONS IN TERROR ALERT
By John Twomey The Express; NEWS; Pg. 8 9 August 17, 2002
PLANS to move millions of people out of Britain's major cities in the event of a terrorist attack have been secretly drawn up, it was revealed yesterday.
The mass exodus would be launched at centres of population around the country if there was a nuclear or biological strike. In London, emergency nerve centres for the Government, the police and vital financial services have already been built and equipped. They would be ready within hours of a terrorist outrage. The move is in direct response to the September 11 atrocities and a possible terrorist backlash after any military strike against Iraq.
The Al-Muhajiroun group, whose leading supporters include controversial Sheikh Abu Hamza alMasri, has warned Britons that they will "choke on the smoke" of revenge attacks if a strike against Saddam is launched.
But police stress there is no specific intelligence about an imminent attack. The authorities say they are responding to a general threat.
Details of the emergency plans emerged as pressure was mounting for the deportation of extremist Muslims who openly support the Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein.
The Al-Muhajiroun group, whose leading supporters include controversial Sheikh Abu Hamza alMasri, has warned Britons that they will "choke on the smoke" of revenge attacks if a strike against Saddam is launched.
It is understood Scotland Yard's Anti-Terrorist Branch is examining material - including videos - linked to the group in case they breach the Terrorism Act. The extremists, who are condemned by the vast majority of Muslims in Britain, want the UK to be incorporated into an Islamic state in Europe.
Emergency plans have been drawn up for major UK cities to ensure that local government and the police can operate effectively in the event of a terrorist attack. They include new measures introduced since September 11 such has no-fly zones over power stations and other vital sites.
A major element of each plan is understood to cover supplies of crucial drugs - including antidotes to known biological weapons - and medical services.
The existence of London's postSeptember 11 plan was revealed in a letter to the all-party Commons Defence Committee by Judith Mayhew, chairman of London Corporation's policy and resources group. "London is currently looking at methods of mass evacuation in certain geographical areas, " she wrote. Details of the exodus plans would be broadcast on radio and TV in a way which would not "overdramatise" the crisis.
Police chiefs believe there could be mass panic if London or other major cities came under attack, particularly from chemical weapons. Areas of dense population or with poor road and rail links would create additional problems.
Methods of dealing with possible outbreaks of public disorder at railway stations and other transport terminals also feature in the plans.
Home Secretary David Blunkett is in overall command of the emergency planning as head of the newly-created Civil Contingencies Committee. But in the event of a disaster the Prime Minister would be in charge, working from the Cobra nerve centre in Whitehall.
Tony Blair recently ordered a GBP 1.4million re-fit of Cobra. It is understood the money will be spent on upgrading communication equipment to link the centre to a network of regional government bunkers dotted around the country. He has ordered the work to be completed before any military action against Saddam.
One expert said last night: "Planning of this kind has been going on for decades, particularly in the face of a Cold War nuclear attack. It is only right that Government is prepared for any nightmare scenario."
Is it possible to 'overdramatise' a nuclear or biological attack??
Just stick around the Shadow Government and you will be safe. They won't nuke themselves.
The nice thing about FR is we can all think or not . I'm glad to see you availing yourself of that choice.
"It just isn't, well, couth."
Neither is hillery klinton. That's kinda the point."
"people might wonder if you are transgendered or something."
I'll be sure and put "something" in my profile so as to avoid the confusion."
In short, while I have no problem with "cajun" or "girl", I can understand that someone may in some way be offended by either word. Crazy world, eh? How's about when I see them giving you static over your name I leap to my keyboard and defend your right to pick a screenname that you consider ethstetically {sp} pleasing. No thanks neccessary, it'll be my pleasure. But in the meantime, I'm a bit more concerned with some folks who view FR as an "anonymous message board" and who seem to make a habit of name calling and personal attacks on other, long standing members. As horrible and uncouth and terrible and confusing as my screenname is, I still manage to remain civil to fellow FReepers. Go figure.
Take a look at Marine Inspector's home page. It's possible that as many as 3.6 million illegal aliens have crossed our borders since 9/11.
We're still allowing an average of 8,000 Arabs from terrorist sponsoring nations in on visas every month.
The State Department changed the name of the 'Visa Express' program, but you can still walk into any Saudi Arabian travel agency and get a visa to enter the United States.
Ziglar resigned, because he knows that the head of the INS is going to take the heat, if there's a repeat of 9/11.
All of a sudden, the Libertarian Party doesn't want one of it's own in that job anymore?
I'd have to say yes. In light of the fact that on a conservative board such as this, a name that takes a good broadside shot at the she beast found a detractor or two.
I missed the story about the INS head quitting. Anyone got a link? He probably should have been fired and run out of town on a rail.
Immigration chief Ziglar quitting
As Tancredo Fan said, "Good riddance to bad rubbish."
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