There is a “realistic possibility” a terrorist group will launch a successful chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear (CBRN) attack by 2030, a Government review has warned.
Terrorism will remain a “major threat” over the coming decade, with a “more diverse range of material and political causes, new sources of radicalisation and evolving tactics”, according to the Integrated Review Of Security, Defence, Development And Foreign Policy.
The 100-plus page document setting out the findings of a year-long survey adds: “There is a realistic possibility that state sponsorship of terrorism and the use of proxies will increase. It is likely that a terrorist group will launch a successful CBRN attack by 2030.”
As well as acknowledging Islamist, Northern Ireland-related, far-right, far-left and anarchist terrorism among the main sources of threat in the UK, the report warns that disorder overseas, particularly in Africa and the Middle East, is “likely to increase space for terrorist and extremist groups to operate”.
The findings warn serious and organised crime (Soc) will “continue to have a significant impact on UK citizens” and its “scale and complexity” will likely increase thanks to new technology, adding that it will “adapt to events faster than governments”.
“Soc will also enable threats such as state threats and terrorism”, the paper adds.
