Confusion over terror alert

The Evening Standard ^ | 8 Nov 2002 | Ben Leapman

[UKCajun]

David Blunkett came under fire today over a blunder which spread unnecessary alarm over the threat of a terror attack on London and the rest of Britain.

An inquest was under way at the Home Office into how officials came to release a report in which the Home Secretary claimed that al Qaeda could strike with poison gas or a "dirty" radioactive bomb.

...In London, there are fears that terrorists might be planning an attack on the Tube involving Sarin, the poison gas used by religious fanatics in 1995 on Tokyo subway.

[UKCajun]

I'd be more concerned about anthrax. London Undergound would be contaminated for years. Definately the soft underbelly of the UK. Such an attack would tank the economy here instantly.

[LurkedLongEnough]

Agreed. Very silly and yet dangerous propaganda. "Since we can't know beforehand, why worry about terrorism?"

"Maybe they will try to develop a so-called dirty bomb, or some kind of poison gas. Maybe they will try to use boats or trains rather than planes. The bottom line is that we simply cannot be sure."

So let's just stick our heads in the sand, then, shall we? Ugh.