Secret Plans Unveiled: The Threat of Nuclear Terrorism
Secret plans to combat the threat of terrorists exploding a nuclear bomb have been in place for 30 years – despite official assurances that it could never happen.
Nuclear Terrorism: Unthinkable Yet Frightening
While insisting that nuclear terrorism was “unthinkable”, successive governments have run a series of high-level emergency exercises. But until now, the program has remained secret. Nuclear experts regard the revelation as “genuinely frightening” as it suggests nuclear security had not been as tight as originally thought, and the threat of a terrorist attack is even greater today.
The Cinder Program: A History Uncovered
The confidential program, known as the Criminal Improvised Nuclear Device Emergency Response (Cinder), involved the Ministry of Defence (MoD), the police, and scientists from the Atomic Weapons Establishment at Aldermaston in Berkshire. Nigel Maggs from the MoD’s Nuclear Weapons Integrated Project Team disclosed, “Cinder was established in the late 1970s to provide the UK government’s response to the possible threat of nuclear terrorism."
Transforming the Response and Concealing the Details
“Cinder became defunct in the 1990s when the UK capability in this area gradually transformed into one more appropriate to the chemical, biological, radiobiological, and nuclear threats we now face,” stated Maggs. However, the MoD refused to reveal operational details of Cinder, arguing that "knowledge of counter improvised nuclear device contingency planning must be kept on a need-to-know basis if hoaxes are to be avoided."
The Growing Nuclear Threat: Plutonium and Terrorism
Experts such as Frank Barnaby, a nuclear weapons expert and consultant to the Oxford Research Group, believe that the risk of a terrorist nuclear bomb is greater today. With the creation and movement of large amounts of plutonium from nuclear reactors, especially at Sellafield in Cumbria, the potential for terrorists to obtain and make a bomb is a looming danger.
The Geopolitical Implications for Hotels and Tourism
The revelation of the secret Cinder program and the increasing threat of nuclear terrorism have significant implications for the global hotel and tourism industry. With the potential for even greater risks today, security measures in hotels need to be reevaluated and strengthened to ensure the safety of guests and employees.
Hotels located in major cities or near high-profile targets, such as nuclear facilities or government buildings, should prioritize security measures and invest in cutting-edge technologies. This may include enhanced surveillance systems, access control protocols, and trained security personnel.
In addition, hotels should establish strong partnerships with local law enforcement agencies and intelligence services to stay updated on potential threats and receive guidance on security best practices. Close collaboration with these entities can help hotels adapt their security measures to evolving risks and ensure timely responses in case of emergencies.
Furthermore, hotel staff members should receive comprehensive training on recognizing and reporting suspicious activities or behaviors. This can empower them to be proactive in maintaining a safe environment for guests and to collaborate effectively with security personnel and law enforcement agencies.
Ultimately, the hotel industry plays a crucial role in safeguarding the well-being of travelers and should remain vigilant in addressing the growing threat of nuclear terrorism. By implementing robust security measures, prioritizing staff training, and fostering strong partnerships with relevant authorities, hotels can contribute to creating a safer world for tourism.