Terrorists could infiltrate UK university laboratories and other research bodies, with the aim of stealing material to use as a biological or other weapon, the Commons Foreign Affairs Committee warns.
In a report the committee says: ?Our anxiety is that a fully qualified research scientist, who, unknown to the authorities, was a supporter of a terrorist group, could be admitted to a postgraduate or other research institution within the United Kingdom to pursue an approved programme of research. Such a scientist could thus gain unhindered access to the dangerous materials or pathogens.? A voluntary system of vetting overseas students applying for higher education courses, where they would have access to dangerous materials, was “inadequate”, the committee said. Donald Anderson who chairs the committee told the Radio 4 programme today on December 11 that the vetting should be strengthened.
