Attack on energy network a major risk, UK register says for first time

The risk register includes Russia disrupting energy supplies and terror attacks on utility networks. Photograph: Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

Disruption to energy supplies after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and another pandemic, are two of the most significant risks to the UK shown in an updated government register that declassifies some threats for the first time.

In its first update for three years, the risk register rates the possibility of a “catastrophic” pandemic as 5% to 25% likely in a five-year period, upgrading its risk from the previous assessment of 1 to 5% likely.