Terrorism threat level lowered to 'substantial'

The Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre has announced that the UK's terrorism threat level has been downgraded from ‘severe’ to ‘substantial’.

A ‘substantial’ threat level means a terrorist attack is still likely.

Home Secretary Priti Patel said the move followed a ‘significant reduction’ in the momentum of attacks in Europe, since those seen in Austria and France between September and November 2020. However, she stressed that it was kept under constant review and was always subject to change.

Patel said: "Terrorism remains one of the most direct and immediate risks to our national security. Substantial continues to indicate a high level of threat; and an attack on the UK is still likely. The public should continue to remain vigilant and report any concerns to the police."

The UK's terrorism threat level was last raised to the highest rating ‘critical’ in the days following the Manchester Arena bombing in May 2017.