FLU IS BIGGER THREAT TO UK THAN BIN LADEN; Pandemic tops the list of biggest dangers to UK.

Byline: By Bob Roberts

UP TO 750,000 people in Britain could die in a flu pandemic, the Government warned yesterday.

A National Security Strategy drawn up by the Cabinet Office says such an outbreak is the biggest danger to the country, alongside nuclear attack.

The document says: "We assess that the highest risk is an influenza-type pandemic like the outbreak in 1918, which killed 228,000 people in the UK.

"Experts agree there is a high risk of a pandemic occurring and the speed at which it could spread has increased because of globalisation.

"We estimate that a pandemic could cause fatalities in the UK from 50,000 to 750,000, although both the timing and the impact are impossible to predict exactly."

The other dangers highlighted by defence chiefs and the security agencies in the annual threat assessment are:

Al-Qaeda terrorism, possibly using chemical and biological weapons.

The increasing number of countries in possession of nuclear weapons.

Civil emergencies, such as a repeat of the floods of 1953 which killed 300 people.

Attacks on British computer systems through the internet by hostile states.

Organised crime, easier now because of cheap travel and communications.

Conflict in "failed and fragile states" leading to civil wars and revolutions which can threaten British interests.

Gordon Brown told the Commons the Government's aim was not to scare people but to show the public the Government were properly prepared for an emergency.

The Prime Minister said: "The primary duty of government is, and always will be, the safety of all British people and the protection of the British national interest."

Brown also said that members of the public would be able to join a new form of civil defence network to protect Britain against natural disasters and terrorism.

The scheme is likened to a modern version of the air raid warden network from World War II.

People would volunteer to join a civil protection network in their area, run by local authorities.

Their duties would include helping to evacuate elderly people in the event of a disaster and they could even play a role in the aftermath of a terrorist attack.

Asked if it would be similar to World War II ARP wardens, famous for patrolling the streets during bombing raids, a Government spokesman said: "It's a variation of that."

An official "risk register" will be published later this year. It will be updated annually and may be made available online.

A national security forum featuring up to 30 experts from academia and other areas will also be set up to advise ministers.

Brown also announced the creation of a 1000-strong civilian taskforce, involving emergency service staff, which would be on standby to help failing states and help rebuild conflict-hit countries.

CAPTION(S):

NATIONAL INTEREST: Brown; TERRORISTS; FLU VIRUS; NUCLEAR; FLOODING; INTERNET