Forces on alert as terror threat level raised
The Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC) has raised the UK National Threat Level from SUBSTANTIAL, meaning an attack is likely, to SEVERE, meaning an attack is highly likely in the next six months.
A statement issued by the Home Office said: “The increase in threat comes following yesterday’s stabbing in Golders Green in North London, but it is not solely a result of that attack. The terrorist threat level in the UK has been rising for some time, driven by an increase in the broader Islamist and Extreme Right Wing terrorist threat from individuals and small groups based in the UK.
“While the UK National Threat Level set independently by JTAC reflects the terrorist threat in the UK, it comes against a backdrop of increased state-linked physical threats which is encouraging acts of violence, including against the Jewish community.
“This is an independent, systematic, and rigorous process, based on the very latest intelligence and analysis of internal and external factors which drive the threat.”
Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, said: “Yesterday’s abhorrent, antisemitic attack was a vile act of terrorism. My thoughts today remain with the victims, and with the whole Jewish community at a time of deep disquiet and fear.
“My deepest thanks go to the volunteers and emergency services, a number of whom I met today. Their actions saved lives and they are, and forever will be, heroes. Today, the national threat level has increased to “severe”, which means a terrorist attack is considered highly likely.
“I know this will be a source of concern to many, particularly amongst our Jewish community, who have suffered so much. The Government has today announced a significant increase in investment to protect our Jewish communities, with record funding for policing and security at synagogues, schools and community centres. And we will do everything in our power to rid society of the evil of antisemitism.
“As the threat level rises, I urge everyone to be vigilant as they go about their daily lives, and report any concerns they have to the police. And I can assure everyone that our world-class security services and the police are working day and night to keep our country safe.”
The UK was last at SEVERE in November 2021, following the Liverpool Women’s Hospital bombing and murder of Sir David Amess, before being lowered to SUBSTANTIAL in February 2022.
Head of Counter Terrorism Policing, Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, said: “The UK has been experiencing a gradual increase in terrorist threats for some time, driven by a rise in both Islamist and Extreme Right-Wing terrorism. Our casework is increasing across a number of ideologies and within that we are seeing an elevated threat to Jewish and Israeli individuals and institutions in the UK.
“We are also working against an unpredictable global situation that has consequences closer to home, including physical threats by state-linked actors. Following yesterday’s horrific terrorist attack, and incidents targeting the Jewish community across the country, there is already an enhanced police response in place, and all police forces will be reviewing this in light of the change in threat level.