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<p>The Government assesses the most significant risks facing the UK over the next
five years, including nuclear, biological and chemical weapons risks, through the
National Risk Assessment (NRA) and the National Security Risk Assessment (NSRA).</p><p>In
order to assess these risks, Government works with the intelligence community to gather
information about the intent and capability of potential adversaries, the types of
materials of concern and information about potential targets. The risk assessment
processes provide Government department and agencies with the information required
for them to take action to address these risks. The 2017 National Risk Register of
Civil Emergencies, the public version of the NRA, is attached to this answer and a
copy has also been placed in the House of Lords Library.</p><p>A summary of the NSRA
was published in the 2015 National Security Strategy and Strategic Defence and Security
Review, available online <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/555607/2015_Strategic_Defence_and_Security_Review.pdf"
target="_blank">here</a>, which helped to guide the government’s wider national security
efforts. The sections on proliferation risk were also included in the National Counter-Proliferation
strategy which can be found <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/510716/National_Counter_Proliferation_Strategy_to_2020_-_updated_24_March.pdf"
target="_blank">here</a>.</p><p>The Government’s risk assessment is complemented by
wider work under the UK’s Counter-Terrorism Strategy (CONTEST). CONTEST provides a
Cross-Government approach, led by the Home Office, aimed at reducing the risk to the
UK and its citizens and interests overseas from terrorism, so that people can go about
their lives freely and with confidence.</p><p>The use of nuclear, biological and chemical
materials in an attack by terrorists remains significantly less likely than an attack
with conventional weapons. Government prioritises efforts to stop terrorists gaining
access to the technical expertise and specialist materials they would need, and to
reduce the vulnerability of people and places to such attacks. Government also ensures
the police and other emergency services have the necessary nationwide response capabilities
to mitigate the impact of any such attacks.</p>
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