re: Manchester
I agree there are greater risks, like quakes, but research into them being under funded is a different discussion.
There is a risk from meteorites, and it is a risk we could do something about. I suppose it comes down to cost. If surveying every object big enough to get through the atmosphere intact can be done for little then lets do it. If it's going to cost billions then I agree we should put the money into other programs, and just keep a weather eye out for 'the big one'.