The UK’s 19 ‘safest places’ to live in a nuclear attack – full list | UK | News
Global tensions remain high with many people fearing a possible nuclear attack (Image: Getty)
As global tensions remain high, there has been renewed interest in where people would be safest in the event of a possible nuclear attack on the UK.
The UK’s latest National Security Strategy describes the international landscape as one of “radical uncertainty”, with increased cooperation between hostile states including Russia, China, Iran and North Korea. Russia has been described as Britain’s top state threat and intelligence agencies have warned of an escalation of “grey zone” activity across Europe, including sabotage and interference operations.
Remote and sparsely populated areas are generally considered less likely to be directly affected. (Image: Getty)
Meanwhile, tensions over Iran, attacks on international shipping routes, and concerns about nuclear weapons proliferation continue to pose challenges to global security.
Although these threats were far from a direct nuclear attack on Britain, they nevertheless increased the need for emergency preparedness and civil defence.
Many would assume that London’s extensive Underground network would offer one of the safest havens in such a scenario, similar to the role played by tube stations during the Blitz.
But some experts question how effective the network would be against modern, more powerful nuclear weapons.
Andrew Futter, Professor of International Politics at the University of Leicester, has previously warned that the London Underground “probably wouldn’t be deep enough in the event of a direct hit”.
He said underground stations could provide protection against fallout and secondary effects, but survival would largely depend on proximity to any blast zones.
Experts generally agree that being well away from a potential target area will offer a better chance of survival than relying solely on underground shelter in a major city.
As a result, remote and less strategically important areas are often seen as relatively safer places.
Property researchers have previously identified a number of locations that could be among the safest in the UK due to their geography, low population density and distance from major strategic destinations.
Most locations are in coastal, rural or northern parts of the UK; these areas are generally considered less likely to be directly affected by military targets.
However, experts emphasize that preparedness, access to official information and following emergency guidance will remain the most important factors in any national emergency, regardless of where a person lives.
The full list of the UK’s ’19 safest places’
- Cornwall
- Weymouth
- Folkestone
- Dover
- margate
- Clacton-sea
- Felixstowe
- Brixworth
- Bideford
- Aberystwyth
- distortion
- Isle of Anglesey
- Barrow-in-Furness
- lancaster
- whitby
- carlisle
- Dumfries
- Berwick-upon-Tweed
- inverness
But experts also warn that the safety of any part of the UK cannot be guaranteed in the event of a nuclear attack.
Radioactive fallout can travel long distances depending on weather conditions and wind direction, meaning even isolated areas can be affected.
According to guidance from the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP), the most important action following a nuclear explosion is to quickly take shelter in the center of a large building or underground area before the radioactive fallout arrives.
