It comes after a terrorist attack in Golders Green on Tuesday
It was announced yesterday that the terror threat in the UK has been raised to severe the first time in more than four years, following the stabbing of two Jewish men in north London.
The government website said that the threat level has been increased to severe “following Golders Green attack and increasing threat of Islamist and Extreme Right Wing terrorism in the UK.”
Before yesterday (Thursday 30 April), the threat level sat at ‘substantial’ and was upped to ‘severe’ for the first time since 2021.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer gave an urgent speech yesterday in the aftermath of the incident in which he made a plea to the goodwill of the nation.
Attack in Golders Green declared a terrorist incident
Two men were stabbed on Wednesday morning in Highfield Avenue in Barnet, near Golders Green Road. The victims were named as Moshe Shine, 76, and Shlome Rand, 34.
A 45-year-old man, a British national born in Somalia, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. He was initially taken to hospital before being discharged into police custody.
Counter Terrorism Policing Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor confirmed the attack had formally been declared a terrorist incident, with officers investigating whether it was deliberately targeting the Jewish community.
It is the second declared terrorist attack on Britain’s Jewish community in seven months, following an attack at Heaton Park Synagogue in October in which two men were killed
Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley, who visited the scene, said the suspect “has a history of serious violence and mental health issues” and was stunned with a Taser after refusing to show his hands to officers who feared he may be carrying an explosive device.
What are the different threat levels in the UK?
In the UK, there are five different degrees of threat regarding terrorism which is set by the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre and the Security Service (MI5).
The government website lists two different categories for threats.
These are threats to the UK from terrorism – currently listed as severe – and threats to Northern Ireland “from Northern Ireland-related terrorism” – which is set at substantial.
The five threat levels are:
- low – an attack is highly unlikely
- moderate – an attack is possible but not likely
- substantial – an attack is likely
- severe – an attack is highly likely
- critical – an attack is highly likely in the near future
How are threat levels decided?
The threat level is set by the aforementioned Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre and the Security Service (MI5) and is based off a number of factors.
As per the MI5 website, there are:
So, what happens when the threat level is increased?
Of course, increasing the threat level from substantial to severe is not purely a ceremonial change, but one with real-world implications.
The increase in threat level means that authorities believe a terrorist attack is highly likely within the next six months.
The government 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.”
Announcing the increase in the threat level, Laurence Taylor, head of Counter Terrorism Police, explained what the change will mean for everyday people.
He said that people will begin to notice more police officers than usual.
“In some areas, you will already be used to seeing more officers than usual,” he explained, “In other places, you may start to see that too.
“They will be deploying unpredictably, which means sometimes you will see them, and sometimes you won’t. But please know, we are with you.”
He added: “Police forces up and down the country routinely work with community and faith groups and this will continue as we seek their support and assistance in keeping the UK safe.”
While the increase in threat level does not grant any additional powers or enforce public restrictions, it does signal tightening of security in public places, transport infrastructure and a general sharpening of public awareness.
Speaking about the increase, Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, said in a statement:
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