Dirty War drama: Your views

The BBC has broadcast a television drama about a dirty bomb attack on the City of London.

Dirty War, produced by BBC Films, has been extensively researched by BBC Current Affairs.

The programme was developed with experts in planning, counter-terrorism and the emergency services.

The aim of a dirty bomb is to spread radioactive material and contaminate an area.

Would you know what to do in an emergency? How prepared is the UK for a terrorist attack of this nature?

This debate is now closed. Read a selection of your comments below.

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The following comments reflect the balance of opinion we have received so far:

The scenario painted is increasingly likely to become reality Robert Locke, Chelmsford Essex

Dirty War was a truly scary programme and a very thought provoking and challenging piece of film making by the BBC. We all know that the scenario painted is increasingly likely to become reality but it seems that some would rather bury their heads in the sand. No amount of preparation can guarantee the population from attacks such as these, all that we can do is to be as prepared as possible. After watching Dirty War I worry that too little has been done and that in the event of a real dirty bomb planning would be inadequate.
Robert Locke, Chelmsford Essex

May I query why we are having these dramas when the odds on an attack are still so small - you are still more likely to win the lottery and so much more likely to be murdered by someone you know. We have not been the victims of a terrorist attack since the IRA so why are we now all thinking it's going to happen to us - the facts don't back it up. The person who said Orwell was right hit the nail on the head. This is no "fools paradise" that I am living in this is a place where we used to view things objectively and the knee jerk reactions and mass hysteria do nothing to curb this.
Charles Blair, Glasgow

Luckily this is only a drama. In reality, I personally do not think the UK is prepared for such an event. We had very little civil defence exercise involving a selected number of personnel, who has already been briefed some time ago let alone members of the public who have not been briefed. Just look at the logistical errors just going to war in Iraq - no boots, no armour nor the proper bullets, no spare parts, no body bags, inefficient guns, out of date biochemical suits, out of date respirators - the list goes on. What hope is there when all these logistics are not in place at the time it is needed most?
Jonas Quinn, Croydon

Dirty War reminds me of another top BBC film called "Threads". It magnificently depicted the consequences of a Soviet Nuclear attack. That was the threat then, Dirty War clearly shows the threat of today. In their attention to detail and superior knowledge of this kind of threat and of the type of planning that would be needed, the BBC has once again proved itself the world leader in public service television. Please BBC less of the dross and more of this.
Ed H, UK

We were under more of a threat 10 years ago with the IRA than we are now. This type of programme is used to justify wars, be it a war in Iraq or a war on terror. Stop scare-mongering and start getting this 'threat' in proportion.
Matt Hopkins , Leeds

Those who cry 'scaremongering' are living in a fool's paradise. The fact is that the march of technological progress has long since placed in the hands of the individual the means to create atrocities such as those depicted here. We can't put the genie back into the bottle. The only way to protect ourselves against terrorism is to work to eliminate the causes of terrorism.
Mike, Rothesay, Scotland

Orwell seems to be more prophetic with every twist and turn of these events. Constantly at war, constantly in fear.
Christian, London, UK

I found the programme both interesting and worrying. These things need to be talked about and programmes like this help bring these issues out into the open. However the scale of the devastation and the apparent confusion and disorganisation within the emergency services looked alarmingly worrying. Whatever happened to clear and concise instructions?
Matthew , Watford, Herts, UK

I truly hope that some of the events portrayed in the drama will act as a wake-up call Glyn, Berks, UK

Congrats to the BBC and all concerned for highlighting what "could" happen in the event of a Dirty Bomb attack somewhere in the UK. Dirty War gave an insight to what can be expected should such an atrocity happen. Awareness is a good thing and I do not share the view of some that this is a scare-mongering or propaganda stunt in support of the Government. Invading Iraq has only fuelled terrorist fanatics even more and sadly the UK is probably now one of their prime targets as a result. I truly hope that some of the events portrayed in the drama will act as a wake-up call for some at least.
Glyn, Berks, UK

I am surprised so many people are so sceptical. The material seems available, the technology simple and the effects devastating. The City accounts for most of the British economy. What would be the impact on the country if the 'square mile' was suddenly unusable for 40 years?
J Dale, London

I see most comments attacking the BBC were from people living or working outside London. This threat is real and I congratulate the BBC for showing the real threat we are under.
Jon Holland, London, England

The programme was a load of contrived drivel. Looking deeper into the subject, who owns or has interests in the companies which provide the "specialist" services, the equipment to be used etc? All this propaganda does is line their pockets further.
Dave Hough, Nottingham, UK

Excellent programme. Unfortunately the emergency services are ill equiped and underfunded as usual by successive governments. It's about time the government took the threat seriously and ensured our emergency services were adequately trained and funded as a matter of urgency.
Paul Hayes, Basildon Essex

Fear sells easily and the Bush regime is standing testimony to the success of using fear as a tool to manipulate the less informed masses.
Joanne, Hamilton, Canada

Excellent, informative but a bit too close to home. Hopefully people will be cautious of unusual events without becoming paranoid.
Tracy Lavery, Dundee

More propaganda for the government. Is the BBC truly impartial?
Adrian Walker, Worthing, England

This hopefully will be an insightful and thought provoking programme. Debate on Civil Defence can only be a good thing surely and lead people to question their elected and appointed officials exactly what procedures they have in place to protect the public. I disagree that this is scaremongering or that we can not do anything to protect ourselves. The lack of Civil Defence spending and infrastructure means that the fundamental duty of the government to protect its citizens is being ignored.
Ian McClellan, London, UK

Let's have a bit more cheer and a bit less doom and gloom Bryan, Japan

Let's have a bit more cheer and a bit less doom and gloom. As another contributor said, this sort of attitude by the BBC is only playing into Blair and Bush's hands, making the nation fear their every move and so support the terrible twins' war on terror. Bring back repeats of Morecambe and Wise, Benny Hill, Tommy Cooper and the like.
Bryan, Japan

How long does the programme last - not 45 minutes by any chance?
Duncan, London

I don't think this country is at all prepared for a terrorist bomb. London is so densely populated and with the underground system it is a nightmare prospect. Most people go about their business with a false sense of security. We just got used to the freedom of no IRA attacks and I think most of us are reluctant to allow ourselves to acknowledge the very real danger and fear of something much worse. I'm not sure if I'll watch the drama. I personally can't influence what will happen in the future, and I think I'd rather continue to bury my head in the sand¿ at least as much as is decent and as much as the media will allow.
LJB, EH, Oxon

How about this being incorporated into an episode of EastEnders, so that we can see what Pauline and Alfie and the Slaters do when confronted by a dirty bomb? Now that should boost their ratings..!
Kathy, UK

It's a drama not a documentary Dwynwen, Bangor, UK

It's a drama not a documentary, allowing its self to look at those things that perhaps are or will not happen; it's a part of the genre. One can certainly argue that many of Shakespeare's plays were not realistic or likely to happen either. It's time that people separate reality from fantasy... a drama is not real life, much better than the soaps which seem to now flood our screens.
Dwynwen, Bangor, UK

I'm sick and tired of "terrorvision". It's a huge bandwagon and all it does it supports Blair's efforts to sell fear. Let the security services do their job behind the scenes; dump this sensationalist TV.
Rod, UK

Let me guess what the story is: Islamic fundamentalists are planning to setoff the dirty bomb. They'll be portrayed as ordinary Londoners, people who are your friends, maybe someone you even go down to the pub with, but they're hiding an evil intention of destroying you in a martyrdom operation. Am I close? Interestingly enough, for all the terrorist attacks in the UK, none have ever been carried out or associated with Muslims. And no one is asking why Muslims would want to attack the UK. Reasons are irrelevant to today's media, sensationalist is the diet of the masses today.
Yildraz H, UK

Seems a little sensationalist for the beeb..
Wendy, UK

Don't worry Jon, in Cardiff, the leaflet was just full of incredibly useful information like "keep your TV/radio on for emergency information" and similar blindingly obvious snippets. How you are supposed to turn your TV on in a power cut, alas it didn't say.
Dan, UK

Why do we have to put up with more irrational scare-mongering Peter, London

.....and next week a drama about catching AIDS from a toilet seat followed by a drama about how eating crisps causes cancer... There are enough real problems and issues in the world at the moment that could be dealt with by the BBC Current Affairs department. Why do we have to put up with more irrational scare-mongering propaganda.
Peter, London

This is crazy. Those who can be scared will be, those who want to hate will be given a reason, and those who want to do it will get ideas. Clearly, government keeps us in the dark about the inner workings of how to manage such a situation and their response to the sources of such possible attacks. I just hope that the message that WMD are held by us and will be used if necessary sinks in - back to the Cold War MAD doctrine?
George, UK

The Prime Minister of this country and other leading public figures has informed the public on more than one occasion that a major terrorist attack on our country is real and very likely. To wake up a 'head in the sand' attitude as per some of the people on this site is not 'scare mongering' but public awareness. If only one life is saved it is a good thing. The barbaric insanity of the terrorist, knows no reason.
John Karran, Liverpool, UK

I will post my comments after I have seen it! Only then can I hold a valid view. Why ask this question before the broadcast?
LB, Sheffield, UK

Towards the end of the Cold War I remember the BBC broadcasting a program called 'Threads' about what would happen if someone dropped a nuclear bomb on Sheffield. As I recall besides heightening anxieties about nuclear conflict the program wasn't that informative unless you call showing what 'might happen' informative. Yes it 'might happen' but if your idea of a threat is something bad that 'might happen' you're going to be worrying yourself to death about lots of irrelevant nonsense for the rest of your life. Yes it 'might happen' but then, seeing as Sheffield's still standing it 'might not'.
Barry McFaddon, Sheffield

It's a good idea to show films like this. It gives us members of the public an idea of what to do in an attack. Good job too as Royal Mail haven't bothered to send me my "Prepare for Emergency" leaflet!
Jon, Cardiff, Wales

As an ex-serviceman with some knowledge of this issue, there are no solutions or pre-emptive actions that are going to be effective Clive Hawkins, Caerphilly/ Wales

As an ex-serviceman with some knowledge of this issue, there are no solutions or pre-emptive actions that are going to be effective. Any one that says there is, is a liar and just trying to placate the public. The only thing that will be effective is an excellent medical, evacuation and mortuary facility. With greater emphasis on the latter because there will be more dead than living, and those living will wish they were dead (quickly).
Clive Hawkins, Caerphilly/ Wales

Finally! The BBC is standing up to Parliament and broadcasting what they feel is appropriate! I hope this documentary is in the style of 'The Day Britain Stopped' and 'The Day The Lights Went Out'. Truly insightful programmes and beautifully done. They provide insight into real possibilities of attacks against our country - and it is about time that someone warned us!
Tom Gilchrist, Harrogate, UK

I genuinely believe a major terrorist atrocity against a UK city is a case of "when" not "if". To paraphrase the Brighton Bomber, terrorists only have to be lucky once whereas the security service have to be lucky every time. And I hope to God that my thinking is nothing more than paranoid delusion as a result of programmes like these.
Alex, Nottingham

Don't we have enough doom and gloom in the news without this programme and others like it Richard Bagnall, Cambridge, UK

What is it about the BBC? Don't we have enough doom and gloom in the news without this programme and others like it?
Richard Bagnall, Cambridge, UK

Yes, we should see it, if it is based on fact. This cutting from a newspaper comments ... "And do the public know that in the event of a radiological attack, they should stay indoors, turn off air-conditioning units, not touch each other and avoid eating and drinking?" Do we know? I certainly don't! We should know. I suppose that like the old days of nuclear war fall out shelters, only the government will be protected!
Roz Walker, UK/France

In times of growing anger of the population because of cuts in public spending for education and health care, pensions and growing prices for essential human necessities like water, the European governments are in desperate need for an enemy that does not exist or is just about to be created by them mainly by bombing innocent people and again the BBC helps them by conveying their ideas.
Anita Mirza, The Hague, Netherlands

I carry a full NBC suit around in my car. It may seem a little over the top, but at least I've got one if this kind of thing happens, and most importantly, I know how to use it.
Simon S, UK

Simon S - save your money. By the time you realise that any bomb contains an NBC component you'll have already inhaled particles. Nerve gas and radioisotopes are invisible, odourless and tasteless. Unless your car is equipped with a Geiger counter and air-sampling and analysis equipment you're deluding yourself if you think an NBC suit will make any difference.
Peter, Nottingham UK

So called dirty bombs are a relatively unlikely form of attack. No problem with the BBC showing this. However, something like multiple bombs in the tube during the run up to the pending election would be much more realistic given the precedent set in Spain.
John, Coventry UK

The media has already made far too much drama out of the events of today. All the time we are bombarded with views of arm-waving fanatics, weeping victims and abused hostages. We should be able to download, from the web, the available detailed information and instructions necessary to deal with possible emergencies.
J Westerman, Leeds UK

Let's make it a drama about terrorists storming Broadcasting House and doing nasty things there. If these idiots are going to plant new ideas in terrorists heads, lets make them self-limiting and wipe out the source!
Bert, UK

TV and film have always reflected events in real life Ian, Durham, UK

What's the problem, exactly? TV and film have always reflected events in real life. The fact that people are willing to call it "completely over the top and scare-mongering" before they've even seen it says a lot more about them than it does the programme.
Ian, Durham, UK

About time the general population were woken up to the real dangers of terrorist attack. No matter whom we appease and which countries we get on with there will always be the danger of terrorism. Wake up, terrorism isn't simply about Iraq or some other country that people have an axe to grind with us over, its not just Islamic fanatics, it could be anyone carrying out the attack.
Adam, Stoke, England

I'm not bothered about remote risks Ken, London, England

Frankly if you're going to die like that it's better to be at the epicentre so it's quick. You're more likely to die in a fire if someone's dumb enough to smoke, for example, on the Underground. I'm not bothered about remote risks.
Ken, London, England

Why don't we have a drama about how to avoid war in the first place and where better to start than how to avoid making the Iraq mess worse? Let us all stand back from the current kidnapping and suicide bombing and ask ourselves why all this is happening? Is there a modicum of hope combined with an iota of understanding that the current mess has arisen from an biased religious approach to World conflict? Perhaps a drama with religion applied to the problem, rather than causing the problem, would be more productive and even more enlightening?
John M, Lyne Meads, UK

Completely over the top and scare-mongering. Time for some quality TV programmes.
Annette, UK

I will not watch the drama because I'm sure it will be total anti-Islamic propaganda!
Mullah H Din, Birmingham, UK