Sir John Beddington: 'We failed to predict that it was a likely event'

The government's chief scientific adviser has admitted he and his colleagues were unprepared for the disruption caused by last year's volcanic ash cloud.

The ash cloud thrown out by an Icelandic volcano in April 2010 closed airspace across large parts of Europe, with the UK being particularly badly affected.

Speaking after the release of a report into government use of scientific advice during emergencies, Sir John Beddington said volcanic events should have been "on the risk register".