Scary WMDs

New Scientist carries a quite frightening report on the possibility of accidental or terrorist-inspired radiation leakages or even detonations from nuclear warheads being transported to and from military bases. This disturbing story reminds me too much of worries expressed back during the Cold War when it was known secret convoys bearing nuclear warheads would pass along the motorway right through the middle of Glasgow, the most populous city in Scotland, on the way to the large submarine base as Faslane on the west coast.

Not surprisingly a lot of people - not just CND campaigners - were somewhat alarmed by this and worried about either an accident or terrorist attack (from the IRA in those days). Of course, everyone was told by the government that there was no risk and of course there was no need to move warheads by ship instead (imagine transporting to a naval base by ship, what an obviously bizarre idea...). Now it looks like yes, there always has been a risk and the buggers knew it all along. Amazing what you can get away with in the name of security of the realm...