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10/11/2006
MI5 monitor 200 suspected UK terror cells
The head of MI5 has claimed that 200 terrorist groups and 1,600 individuals are under surveillance by the UK security service.
MI5 chief Dame Eliza Manningham-Buller said that security service are aware of 30 possible plots, and cautioned that the threat to UK security is "serious and growing."
Dame Eliza said: "What we see at the extreme end of the spectrum are resilient networks, some directed from Al-Qaida in Pakistan, some more loosely inspired by it, planning attacks including mass casualty suicide attacks in the UK.
"Today we see the use of home-made improvised explosive devices; tomorrow's threat may include the use of chemicals, bacteriological agents, radioactive materials and even nuclear technology.
"More and more people are moving from passive sympathy towards active terrorism through being radicalised or indoctrinated by friends, families, in organised training events here and overseas, by images on television, through chat rooms and websites on the Internet."
The speech from the usually reclusive MI5 chief comes just days after Dhiren Barot, 34, was convicted of planning terrorist attacks that included a radioactive 'dirty bomb.'
The Prime Minister said that he agreed with Dame Eliza's assessment that the terrorist threat could last a generation.
However, human rights groups have pointed out that despite over 1,000 arrests being made in connection with security service inquiries into alleged terrorist activities, only 27 people have been convicted to terrorist offences, nine were Muslims.
Following the 9/11 attacks MI5 staff levels have been expanded by almost 50% to around 2,800 staff, and MI5 will by 2008 be twice the size it was in September 2001.
(SP/EF)
MI5 chief Dame Eliza Manningham-Buller said that security service are aware of 30 possible plots, and cautioned that the threat to UK security is "serious and growing."
Dame Eliza said: "What we see at the extreme end of the spectrum are resilient networks, some directed from Al-Qaida in Pakistan, some more loosely inspired by it, planning attacks including mass casualty suicide attacks in the UK.
"Today we see the use of home-made improvised explosive devices; tomorrow's threat may include the use of chemicals, bacteriological agents, radioactive materials and even nuclear technology.
"More and more people are moving from passive sympathy towards active terrorism through being radicalised or indoctrinated by friends, families, in organised training events here and overseas, by images on television, through chat rooms and websites on the Internet."
The speech from the usually reclusive MI5 chief comes just days after Dhiren Barot, 34, was convicted of planning terrorist attacks that included a radioactive 'dirty bomb.'
The Prime Minister said that he agreed with Dame Eliza's assessment that the terrorist threat could last a generation.
However, human rights groups have pointed out that despite over 1,000 arrests being made in connection with security service inquiries into alleged terrorist activities, only 27 people have been convicted to terrorist offences, nine were Muslims.
Following the 9/11 attacks MI5 staff levels have been expanded by almost 50% to around 2,800 staff, and MI5 will by 2008 be twice the size it was in September 2001.
(SP/EF)
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07 January 2009
Terror Threat Has 'Chilled', Says MI5 Boss
Britain's top spook has claimed the success rate of criminal prosecutions against extremists has diminished the terror threat on UK soil. MI5 boss Jonathan Evans said terrorists have been "chilled" by the number of comrades who have been convicted by the courts, and handed down lengthy jail terms.
Terror Threat Has 'Chilled', Says MI5 Boss
Britain's top spook has claimed the success rate of criminal prosecutions against extremists has diminished the terror threat on UK soil. MI5 boss Jonathan Evans said terrorists have been "chilled" by the number of comrades who have been convicted by the courts, and handed down lengthy jail terms.
14 August 2006
Government lowers terror threat level
The terror threat level to the UK has been downgraded from critical to severe, the Home Office has announced. The change means that the chance of a terror attack occurring in the UK is still regarded as "highly likely", but not "imminent".
Government lowers terror threat level
The terror threat level to the UK has been downgraded from critical to severe, the Home Office has announced. The change means that the chance of a terror attack occurring in the UK is still regarded as "highly likely", but not "imminent".
20 July 2009
Terror Threat Reduced
The potential threat from a terrorist attack in the UK has been downgraded by one level. However, the Home Secretary, whose department sets the risk level, said the public can expect little change in security measures.
Terror Threat Reduced
The potential threat from a terrorist attack in the UK has been downgraded by one level. However, the Home Secretary, whose department sets the risk level, said the public can expect little change in security measures.
05 November 2007
MI5 Boss Explains Threat
Russian spies, child recruits to Islamic terror groups - as many as 2,000 people in the UK who pose a threat to national security - and a major programme to decentralise the work of the Security Service to new facilities such as the multi-million pound Northern Ireland headquarters are just some of the things that the new head of MI5 has said occup
MI5 Boss Explains Threat
Russian spies, child recruits to Islamic terror groups - as many as 2,000 people in the UK who pose a threat to national security - and a major programme to decentralise the work of the Security Service to new facilities such as the multi-million pound Northern Ireland headquarters are just some of the things that the new head of MI5 has said occup
30 April 2004
MI5 terrorist security advice published online
UK security service, MI5 have published advice regarding terrorist threat assessment and safety on the internet for the first time. The information on the website had previously been confined mainly to government departments, but a new website will provide the details to the general public and businesses.
MI5 terrorist security advice published online
UK security service, MI5 have published advice regarding terrorist threat assessment and safety on the internet for the first time. The information on the website had previously been confined mainly to government departments, but a new website will provide the details to the general public and businesses.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
