Salisbury nerve agent attack 2018: Dstl impact
Source: gov.uk (2025-12-04)

Find out more about Dstl's central role in the response to the nerve agent attack in 2018—one of the most serious criminal and international incidents in recent years.

The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) provided immediate, science-led action following the poisoning of several people in Salisbury. Dstl ensured individuals exposed to the Novichok nerve agent (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/novichok-nerve-agent-use-in-salisbury-uk-government-response) received life-saving treatment.

This was the biggest scientific response to a UK incident since the Second World War, and Dstl’s quick identification of the nerve agent and expert advice shaped every level of decision-making—from Cabinet Office Briefing Room (COBR) to local police operations.

What Dstl did

Dstl’s analysis enabled clinicians to treat and save Sergei and Yulia Skripal and DC Nick Bailey. Dstl also helped clean up 14 contaminated sites and dispose of 28 vehicles, to protect the public.

Trusted science shaped policy and international response

Dstl quickly confirmed the substance was Novichok, which gave the UK government the confidence to act decisively.

This scientific certainty supported the Prime Minister’s statement to the House of Commons on 12 March, which said Russia was responsible for the attack. The scientific evidence, verified by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), was critical to the international response, where more than 25 countries expelled over 150 Russian diplomats

How our size and expertise contributed

Our highly trained teams demonstrated agility and resilience, ensuring that science remained at the heart of national security and public safety during the Salisbury and Amesbury incidents.

Over 350 Dstl staff in Salisbury and Amesbury worked on this for a year, looking at every aspect. We gave advice to 3 key decision-making groups:
- the Prime Minister, Cabinet and National Security Committee, including COBR
- the Strategic Co-ordinating Group (SCG)
- Counter-Terrorism Police
Countered disinformation and maintained public confidence

Dstl’s trusted science countered false Russian information and helped communicate the facts, which maintained public confidence and unity with international partners.

How our specialist skills counter chemical and biological weapons

Dstl has world-leading specialist skills to protect against chemical and biological weapons. We have unique facilities and expertise that keep the UK safe from the most dangerous threats, including:
- advanced detection and identification: rapid, accurate analysis of chemical and biological agents using cutting-edge laboratory and field technologies
- forensic attribution: expertise in determining the origin and composition of hazardous substances, supporting law enforcement and international security
- containment and remediation: methods for safely neutralising and decontaminating affected environments, vehicles, and infrastructure
- medical countermeasures: research into protective equipment, antidotes, and treatments for exposure to chemical or biological agents
- operational support: deployable teams providing scientific advice to government, military, and emergency responders during incidents
Find out more about our work and capabilities (https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/dstls-areas-of-work-programmes-and-project-portfolios).