What emergency procedures are in place should the conflict in Europe escalate?

The current conflict in Europe is, in so many ways, similar to that of the late 1930s with an aggressive megalomaniac making land grabs that were against all that the free world stood for.

Nevertheless, the aggressor was appeased and was allowed to annexe a neighbour and subsequently invade two independent countries before any opposing action was taken. Sound familiar?

We in this island are currently in a much more vulnerable position than we were in 1940. A single missile hitting us could decimate the island at a single stroke. Modern weaponry is far more sophisticated than it was 80 years ago which increases the risk many-fold. We were undefendable then and would be undefendable now.

The confrontation with Mr Putin’s Russia continues apace and there is no doubt that he is making progress. The question is how far will the West allow him to go before a major conflict ensues, which of course could be catastrophic.

The questions tabled below are directed at our island leaders to allow them to reassure us that measures have been put in place to mitigate that risk where it affects us and protect the island and its residents.

1. In the event of nuclear attack, however unlikely, what types of shelter will be provided for the population?

2. What training have our medical teams received in the treatment of radiation sickness and burns?

3. What drugs and medical equipment does the island hold in reserve for treating radiation sickness or burns.

4. What contingency has been made to provide emergency back-up to essential services at the hospital and other key sites. For example, back-up generators and the provision of clean water supplies?

5. How would we protect our domestic water supply?

6. How much reserve fuel is held in the island?

7. If the island were blockaded how long would our food last? (In 1940 there was enough to last 12 months. Currently if the boat doesn’t arrive there is no food on the supermarket shelves within a day.)

8. Would there be or is there an evacuation plan?

9. Has a committee been put in place to discuss or implement a contingency plan?

10. Have the States created a bomb-proof shelter from which they can direct operations in the event of an attack?

A reply to this letter from those directly responsible for our protection would be gratefully received.

To the naysayers, I would say this – It is too late to make a plan when the enemy is at your door.

Richard Le Bargy

Rouge Rue

Editor’s note: A spokesman for States emergency planning responds:

The States of Guernsey carries out emergency planning for a wide range of potential risks, including radiation emergencies and high level guidance and this is available on gov.gg/emergency-planning.

But we’d really like to take this opportunity to stress, the risk of an attack of the sort described here is extremely remote.

Speaking generally, we can assure your reader that the States looks at more detailed considerations for various emergency scenarios, and carries out both practical and table-top exercises in confidence and with key stakeholders, to test its response capabilities.

Where appropriate, we also engage with the UK and the other Crown Dependencies to coordinate and share preparations for emergency planning.