In essence, the news means there is now a strong possibility of a terrorist attack on home shores.
Announcing today’s change, Theresa May said: “The Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC) changed the UK threat level from international terrorism from Severe to Substantial. This means that a terrorist attack is a strong possibility, and might well occur without further warning.”
The Home Secretary continued: “The change in the threat level to Substantial does not mean the overall threat has gone away: there remains a real and serious threat against the United Kingdom, and I would ask the public to remain vigilant.”
Theresa May went on to state: “The decision to change the threat level is taken by JTAC independently of ministers, and is based on the very latest intelligence, considering factors such as capability, intent and timescale.”
In conclusion, the Home Secretary explained: “Substantial continues to indicate a high level of threat, and that an attack might well occur without further warning. The threat level is kept under constant review.”
The terror threat levels explained
There are five levels of threat, and they are as follows…:
Who decides the threat levels?
The Security Service (MI5) is responsible for setting the threat level from Irish-related terrorism, both in Northern Ireland and in Great Britain.
Meanwhile, the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre is tasked with setting the threat level from international terrorism.
To do this, there’s due consideration of information gathered through intelligence in the UK and abroad. There is also an assessment of how terrorist organisations have behaved in the past.
What should you do?
Members of the public should always remain alert to the danger of terrorism; look out for suspicious bags on public transport or any other potential signs of terrorist activity.
No-one should let the fear of terrorism stop them from going about their day-to-day life as normal. The risk of being caught up in a terrorist attack is very low.
Threat levels abroad
For information on threats abroad, visit the Foreign & Commonwealth Office website (a link is provided below) where you’ll find country-specific advice
