Menu
20/07/2009
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.
Today the Home Office reduced the threat situation from "severe" to "substantial", meaning there is a "strong possibility" of an attack, rather than it being "highly likely".
Top government minister Alan Johnson, who oversees the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC), said a "real and serious threat" from extremists remained.
JTAC operates within MI5 and is accountable to the Home Office, advising on the capabilities of terrorist groups.
According to JTAC, al-Qaeda poses the greatest risk, however there is still a threat from Northern Ireland-related terrorists factions.
The latest downgrading has made the level the lowest it has been since its inception three years ago.
However, just two months before the July 7 bombings in London the threat stood at "substantial".
Mr Johnson said: "We still face a real and serious threat from terrorists and the public will notice little difference in the security measures that are in place, and I urge the public to remain vigilant.
"The police and security services are continuing in their thorough efforts to discover, track and disrupt terrorist activity."
There are five levels of terror threat, ranging from low - meaning an attack is unlikely - to critical - when an attack is expected imminently.
Substantial is the middle level, below severe and above moderate.
(PR/KMcA)
However, the Home Secretary, whose department sets the risk level, said the public can expect little change in security measures.
Today the Home Office reduced the threat situation from "severe" to "substantial", meaning there is a "strong possibility" of an attack, rather than it being "highly likely".
Top government minister Alan Johnson, who oversees the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC), said a "real and serious threat" from extremists remained.
JTAC operates within MI5 and is accountable to the Home Office, advising on the capabilities of terrorist groups.
According to JTAC, al-Qaeda poses the greatest risk, however there is still a threat from Northern Ireland-related terrorists factions.
The latest downgrading has made the level the lowest it has been since its inception three years ago.
However, just two months before the July 7 bombings in London the threat stood at "substantial".
Mr Johnson said: "We still face a real and serious threat from terrorists and the public will notice little difference in the security measures that are in place, and I urge the public to remain vigilant.
"The police and security services are continuing in their thorough efforts to discover, track and disrupt terrorist activity."
There are five levels of terror threat, ranging from low - meaning an attack is unlikely - to critical - when an attack is expected imminently.
Substantial is the middle level, below severe and above moderate.
(PR/KMcA)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
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".
24 October 2012
Republican Threat Level Downgraded
The threat level from dissident republicans to Great Britain has been downgraded from "substantial" to "moderate", the Home Office has said. The decrease shows the authorities regard an attack on London and other British cities from such groups as possible, but not likely. Previously it was deemed a strong possibility.
Republican Threat Level Downgraded
The threat level from dissident republicans to Great Britain has been downgraded from "substantial" to "moderate", the Home Office has said. The decrease shows the authorities regard an attack on London and other British cities from such groups as possible, but not likely. Previously it was deemed a strong possibility.
16 May 2011
Central London Reopens After Bomb Threat
Following a bomb warning by dissidents republicans, the area around Buckingham Palace has now been re-opened. Scotland Yard reported the telephone threat was made using a recognised code word but was not specific with regard to either location or time. Around 4.20am an officer spotted “something suspicious”.
Central London Reopens After Bomb Threat
Following a bomb warning by dissidents republicans, the area around Buckingham Palace has now been re-opened. Scotland Yard reported the telephone threat was made using a recognised code word but was not specific with regard to either location or time. Around 4.20am an officer spotted “something suspicious”.
07 January 2011
Extra Police Dispatched Across London
Amid fears of a terrorist attack, security has been stepped up at transport hubs across London. The UK's terror threat level remains at 'severe' - the second highest level, as it has done for the last year, meaning an attack is still highly likely. However a heavier presence will now be in force across the capital.
Extra Police Dispatched Across London
Amid fears of a terrorist attack, security has been stepped up at transport hubs across London. The UK's terror threat level remains at 'severe' - the second highest level, as it has done for the last year, meaning an attack is still highly likely. However a heavier presence will now be in force across the capital.
28 July 2008
Republican Threat Level 'Higher Than Any Other'
The threat to the UK from 'dissident' Irish republicans is greater than from any other terrorist group. According to the latest intelligence service surveillance from MI5, organisations such as the Real IRA and the Continuity IRA currently pose a greater danger than even Islamic extremists.
Republican Threat Level 'Higher Than Any Other'
The threat to the UK from 'dissident' Irish republicans is greater than from any other terrorist group. According to the latest intelligence service surveillance from MI5, organisations such as the Real IRA and the Continuity IRA currently pose a greater danger than even Islamic extremists.
-
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.
