Electro-magnetic threat warning

22 February 2012 Last updated at 02:45 ET

Solar flares which erupt from the sun can affect GPS systems and other communications

The government must take seriously the threat of a major electro-magnetic pulse event, MPs are warning.

Sudden fluctuations in the magnetic field caused by weather in space or nuclear attack, could wipe out electricity and GPS, used by the military and financial markets.

A Defence Select Committee report said the government appeared "somewhat complacent" about the risks.

It called for a clearer picture of who has responsibility in such an event.

The report insisted such threats should be the included under the National Security Council and civil contingency planners, with standards of protection developed for industries most in danger.

Defence alone could not protect against the threat, it said.

The consequences of electro-magnetic pulse (EMP) events needed to be addressed specifically: generic civil contingency plans to deal with blackouts and electronic shutdown were "not sufficient", it added.

Currently a severe space weather event would most likely be considered an "emergency" under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 and require help from the armed forces.

Conservative committee chairman James Arbuthnot said: "The reactive posture described by the government appears somewhat complacent.

"Space weather is a global threat and may affect many regions and countries simultaneously."

This, the report said, meant there was scope for countries to assist one and other, but also that there was no guaranteed safe place from where help could come.

Mr Arbuthnot added: "It is time that the government began to approach this matter with the seriousness it deserves."

The report also warned that the effects of a nuclear weapon exploding hundreds of miles above the Earth's surface - known as a high-altitude electromagnetic pulse device - would be so serious that only the government could mitigate it.

"We are concerned that the government does not regard EMP from a nuclear blast as currently being a high risk and so we urge that more vigorous action should be taken to prepare for such an attack," Mr Arbuthnot said.

"Similarly, an urgent reassessment should be made of the risk from non-nuclear EMP attack on vital national facilities."

The report also urged the Ministry of Defence to plan for the loss or degradation of satellite-based communications systems in case they are damaged by severe space weather.

Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/int/news/-/news/uk-politics-17117836

Network Appliance Netgear Ncr National Semiconductor National Instruments Motorola Moodys