Nuclear power and terrorism

Facilities at nuclear sites in the UK have not been designed to withstand a deliberate crash by a jumbo jet full of fuel, or many other types of attack. An attack could have widespread and catastrophic consequences for both the environment and public health. The extent of damage caused will depend on the type of nuclear facility, the nature of the attack, the weather conditions and the emergency measures in place, such as evacuation and shelter procedures and whether contaminated food is removed from the market.