183. We have encountered extensive cooperation between the UK and its allies during the course of the inquiry. The Home Office leads on quadrilateral discussions between the UK and Australia, Canada, and the US to coordinate efforts and exchange information on counter-terrorism, including scientific, operational, and R&D expertise. The MoD also has a UK/US Counter Terrorism Oversight Group, of which CBRN are a minor part. The Home Office evidence says that the UK has maintained close links within Europe on counter terrorism matters for many years.

184. On 1 April the Home Office issued a press release announcing "unprecedented cooperation and sharing of intelligence between the UK and the USA" following a meeting between Home Secretary David Blunkett and US Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge. They agreed to set up a Joint Contact Group of senior officials who would drive a joint programme of work, including how best to share knowledge and resources." The work would include:

• Closer working on the development of biometric technology such as iris and facial recognition ; and
• Pooling of knowledge and resources, such as vaccines, to counter chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats.

Speaking in a recent interview, Tom Ridge described the close relationship between the US and UK security services, even before 11 September 2003, and how discussions between the two governments involved priority-setting for counter-terrorism technology.[211]

185. The Home Office says the UK has maintained close links with Europe on counter terrorist matters for many years and that the UK has participated in EU events with other Member States, to examine the arrangements for the Commission to become involved in a widespread CBRN attack.[212] We understand that the European Commission has established a 'Task Force' to review the European Response capabilities to respond to CB threats.[213] PowderJect believes that there is a need for "greater cooperation and harmonisation between EU Member States concerning the gathering of epidemiological data on infectious diseases and the generation of broad and accurate surveillance data".[214]

186. The scientific response to terrorism is a global pursuit. We are pleased to see an impressive level of collaboration between the UK and its allies, in particular with the US. We are concerned that our desire to increase security over research may hamper this cooperation by limiting the exchange of scientists and information. The level of cooperation within the EU less evident. Whether this reflects reluctance on the UK's part or on other Member States' is not clear. We urge the Government to address this issue.

212   Ev 119 Back

213   Ev 124 Back

214   Ev 203 Back