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UK terror threat level: Risk from right-wing extremists to inform system | UK terror threat level: Risk from right-wing extremists to inform system |
(about 3 hours later) | |
Risks posed by right-wing extremists in the UK are to be included in the terror threat level system from now on. | Risks posed by right-wing extremists in the UK are to be included in the terror threat level system from now on. |
Previously the system only assessed the threat from "international terrorism". | Previously the system only assessed the threat from "international terrorism". |
Home Secretary Sajid Javid said the assessment will now cover all forms of terrorism "irrespective of the ideology that inspires them" - including right-wing, Northern Ireland, and Islamist. | Home Secretary Sajid Javid said the assessment will now cover all forms of terrorism "irrespective of the ideology that inspires them" - including right-wing, Northern Ireland, and Islamist. |
The changes do not affect the current threat level of "severe", meaning an attack is "highly likely". | The changes do not affect the current threat level of "severe", meaning an attack is "highly likely". |
The threat from Northern Ireland-related terrorism in Northern Ireland is also currently "severe". It remains separate from the national threat level. | The threat from Northern Ireland-related terrorism in Northern Ireland is also currently "severe". It remains separate from the national threat level. |
Both levels are determined independent of government ministers. | Both levels are determined independent of government ministers. |
New definitions | |
In a written statement announcing the changes, the home secretary said the definition of some of the threat levels have also been simplified "to ensure clarity". | |
The threat levels are now defined as follows: | The threat levels are now defined as follows: |
Mr Javid said the purpose of a threat level system is to allow security services and police forces to determine what security measures to undertake, and to help the public understand why these measures are necessary. | Mr Javid said the purpose of a threat level system is to allow security services and police forces to determine what security measures to undertake, and to help the public understand why these measures are necessary. |
He said the levels are kept under constant review and are based on "the very latest intelligence, considering factors such as capability, intent and timescale". | He said the levels are kept under constant review and are based on "the very latest intelligence, considering factors such as capability, intent and timescale". |
"There remains a real and serious threat against the United Kingdom from terrorism and I would ask the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to the police regardless of the threat level," Mr Javid added. | "There remains a real and serious threat against the United Kingdom from terrorism and I would ask the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to the police regardless of the threat level," Mr Javid added. |
Since its introduction to the public, the terror threat level in the UK has never fallen below "substantial". It has not been that low since August 2014. | |
There were several spikes from "severe" to "critical" in 2017 after attacks at Westminster Bridge, Manchester Arena, London Bridge, a mosque in Finsbury Park and a Tube train in Parsons Green left a total of 36 people dead and hundreds more injured. |
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