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Plan of Action for Isle of Wight

Date released
1 May 2024
Request number
202404003
Release of information under
Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA)

Information requested

I am writing to submit a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to obtain information regarding the plan of action in the event of a nuclear war on the Isle of Wight, UK. I kindly request the following details:

  1. Advice for the Public:- Please provide any advice or guidelines issued by the local authorities or relevant agencies for the general public in the event of an impending nuclear attack
  2. Safe Assembly and Gathering Areas:- Please disclose any designated locations on the Isle of Wight that are considered safe assembly and gathering areas in the event of a nuclear attack. Specifically, I am interested in areas that are underground or provide sufficient protection from radiation and blast effects.
  3. Post-Attack Actions:- Please provide information on the advised actions and steps to be taken by individuals and communities immediately following a nuclear attack. This may include instructions on seeking medical assistance, evacuation procedures, or any other relevant guidance
  4. Preparation for Infrastructure Failure:- Please disclose any advice or recommendations provided by the local authorities or relevant agencies on how individuals should prepare for infrastructure failure in the aftermath of a nuclear attack. This may include guidance on stockpiling essential supplies, communication methods, or acquiring necessary skills for survival.

I understand that the Freedom of Information Act 2000 requires a response to be provided within 20 working days.  I would prefer to receive the requested information electronically, in a format that is accessible and easy to read, such as a PDF document or email.

Information released

We confirm that under s.1 of the FOIA, we do not hold the information relevant to your request. As your request concerns the plans of action in the event of a nuclear war, this is outside the scope of our legal authority and regulatory powers.

We have the legal authority to regulate nuclear safety, nuclear security and conventional health and safety at the 35 licensed nuclear sites in Great Britain. This includes the existing fleet of operating reactors, fuel cycle facilities, waste management and decommissioning sites, as well as licensed and, in part, authorised defence sites, together with the regulation of the design and construction of new nuclear facilities, including the supply chain. More information about ONR and our work can be found on our website.

Under our duty to provide advice and assistance under s.16 of the FOIA, we suggest that you may wish to contact the UK Health Security Agency regarding advised actions and steps to be taken by individuals and communities immediately following a nuclear attack. Their research and analysis document Nuclear emergencies: information for the public (updated on 25 May 2022) is available on their website.

The International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) has also published Advice for the Public on Protection in Case of a Nuclear Detonation on their website which you may find helpful to refer to.

We also advise that you contact the Emergency Management Team at the Isle of Wight Council regarding your requests on safe assembly and infrastructure failure. Details of how you can get in touch are available on their website.

Exemptions applied

N/A

PIT (Public Interest Test) if applicable

N/A