BBC claims Government tried to halt docudrama

The BBC today accuses senior government officials of a concerted campaign to suppress a Panorama docudrama on the aftermath of a terror attack on London.

The BBC today accuses senior government officials of a concerted campaign to suppress a Panorama docudrama on the aftermath of a terror attack on London.

Officials in the Cabinet Office emailed local authorities warning them not to co-operate with the programme makers, according to the corporation.

London Under Attack, to be broadcast tonight, is harshly critical of the preparedness of the authorities to react to a hypothetical terrorist attack, involving suicide bombers on the Tube and the detonation of a tanker containing chlorine gas. Writing in today's Independent on Sunday, the programme producer, Susan O'Keeffe, says she learnt about the email when researchers tried to approach civil contingency groups for information.

"One or two of the officials in these organisations revealed their lack of participation was not their decision but resulted from an email sent by 'senior government officials' informing them not to co-operate with this 'irresponsible' Panorama," says Ms O'Keeffe.

"No matter where we turned for advice or information our way was barred."