The UK government must consider the possibility of an Islamic State attack on its territory with unconventional weapons. As Europe debates how to deal with Isis in the aftermath of the Paris attacks, Isis is revelling in what it considers success, and is undoubtedly planning the next assault. Only that the next strike may be just as Isis vows: more lethal, even more shocking, it may just be one where the internationally banned abhorrent weapons of mass destruction are used. The UK, and other states fighting Isis, need to be on alert.
French prime minister Manuel Valls has already warned the French parliamentthat Isis may use chemical and biological weapons in future, in a speech aimed at seeking parliamentary approval to extend a state of emergency. Valls’ office stressed that his mention of the possibility of a chemical weapons attack was “not new information on the status of the threat, just a realistic observation”. “Middle East experts know that Daesh [Isis] seeks and uses chemical weapons,” a spokesman told Le Monde. “To not consider this possibility would be a mistake.”
On 14 November the French government authorised the use of atropine sulfate, which can be used as an antidote in the event of chemical attacks. The British government is yet to announce any such measures. Security around Paris’s water supply recently increased following concerns that they might be vulnerable to a unconventional attack.
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