Cablegate: Uk: "Not Now" for G8 Btex Food Defense Exercise

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DE RUEHLO #6113 2330908
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R 210908Z AUG 06
FM AMEMBASSY LONDON
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UNCLAS LONDON 006113

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E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PTER TBIO PINS EAGR EUN UK
SUBJECT: UK: "NOT NOW" FOR G8 BTEX FOOD DEFENSE EXERCISE

REF: STATE 112285

1. According to Post's contacts at the Foreign and
Commonwealth Office, HMG's Food Standards Agency (FSA) feels
it is too early for HMG to effectively participate in the G8
BTEX exercise outlined in Reftel. The FSA currently plans on
holding its own exercise this autumn and will not be able to
commit to participating in an international exercise until
after the domestic exercise's completion.

2. While the FSA was unable to commit to a workshop now it
remains a possibility it would be able to commit after its
exercise this autumn. The FSA also encouraged the inclusion
of industry representatives in any future G8 BTEX exercise.
While awaiting the results of its domestic exercise, the FSA
seeks to establish a channel to exchange information on the
possible responses to a bioterrorist attack on the food
supply with the appropriate USG official. Lynne Ridler-Wall
of the FSA is the appropriate POC in the FSA for this issue.
Her email address is lynne.ridler-wall@foodstandards.gov.uk

Visit London's Classified Website:
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eur/london/index. cfm
Johnson

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