Threat level system in the UK updated to include all forms of terrorism

Changes to the terrorism threat level system come into effect on Tuesday 23rd July in the United Kingdom.

The changes, which follow an extensive review into the country’s approach to counter-terrorism following the attacks in 2017, mean that the system will now reflect the threat posed by all forms of terrorism, irrespective of ideology.

There will now be a single national threat level describing the threat to the UK. The threat from Northern Ireland-related terrorism in Northern Ireland will remain separate.

This means, for the first time, the threat from extreme right and left-wing terrorism will be reflected in the published threat level.

Until today, the threat level system described the threat from ‘international terrorism’, which has become largely synonymous with Islamist terrorism.

However, this is now outdated as Islamist terrorism can be home grown, just as extreme right-wing terrorism can have an international dimension.

The changes follow the joint police and MI5 Operational Improvement Review which followed the 2017 attacks.

Based on recommendations made in that review, the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC) began assessing the threat from all forms of terrorism in November 2018. From today, the published threat level will reflect JTAC’s assessment.

The level of threat has not changed from SEVERE, meaning an attack is highly likely. JTAC sets the threat level independently of the government.

Terrorism threat levels give a broad indication of the likelihood of an attack. They are an important tool for security practitioners and the police to determine what protective security is necessary.

They also keep the public informed of the threat the country faces.

Additionally, from today, the definitions of some of the threat levels will be updated to ensure they are clear and consistent.

The definitions of the LOW, SUBSTANTIAL and CRITICAL threat levels will change meaning the new definitions are as follows:

• CRITICAL – an attack is highly likely in the near future
• SEVERE – an attack is highly likely
• SUBSTANTIAL – an attack is likely
• MODERATE – an attack is possible but not likely
• LOW – an attack is highly unlikely