National Threat Level increased to SEVERE

Following this week's terror attack in Golders Green, and increasing threat of Islamist and Extreme Right Wing terrorism, the National Threat Level has been increased to SEVERE.

The Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC) has today raised the UK National Threat Level from SUBSTANTIAL, meaning an attack is likely, to SEVERE, meaning an attack is highly likely in the next six months.

Th change comes after Wednesday's stabbing in North London, but also because terrorist threat level in the UK has been rising for some time, driven by an increase in the broader Islamist and Extreme Right Wing terrorist threat from individuals and small groups based in the UK.

There has also been an increase of state-linked physical threats which is encouraging acts of violence, including against the Jewish community.

The last time the threat level was at SEVERE was in November 2021, following the Liverpool Women’s Hospital bombing and murder of Sir David Amess, before being lowered to SUBSTANTIAL in February 2022.

Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, said: "Yesterday’s abhorrent, antisemitic attack was a vile act of terrorism.

"My thoughts today remain with the victims, and with the whole Jewish community at a time of deep disquiet and fear.

"My deepest thanks go to the volunteers and emergency services, a number of whom I met today. Their actions saved lives and they are, and forever will be, heroes.

"Today, the national threat level has increased to “severe”, which means a terrorist attack is considered highly likely.

"I know this will be a source of concern to many, particularly amongst our Jewish community, who have suffered so much.

"The Government has today announced a significant increase in investment to protect our Jewish communities, with record funding for policing and security at synagogues, schools and community centres. And we will do everything in our power to rid society of the evil of antisemitism.

"As the threat level rises, I urge everyone to be vigilant as they go about their daily lives, and report any concerns they have to the police.

"And I can assure everyone that our world-class security services and the police are working day and night to keep our country safe."

The government has announced it will be investing an additional £25 million to protect Jewish communities against antisemitic attacks, bringing the total invested for this year to £58 million. This funding will go towards increasing police presence and patrols in communities, as well as added protective security in synagogues, schools, and community centres.

It will also be invested into the expansion of Project Servator, putting specialist and plain-clothes officers in the community who are trained to spot suspicious activity and identify individuals preparing to commit serious crimes.

Legislation will also be fast tracked in the coming weeks to clamp down on individuals and groups carrying out hostile activity for foreign states, including those who act as their proxies.

Head of Counter Terrorism Policing Laurence Taylor said: "Our casework is increasing across a number of ideologies and within that we are seeing an elevated threat to Jewish and Israeli individuals and institutions in the UK.

"We are also working against an unpredictable global situation that has consequences closer to home, including physical threats by state-linked actors.

"Following yesterday’s horrific terrorist attack and incidents targeting the Jewish community across the country, there is already an enhanced police response in place, and all police forces will be reviewing this in light of the change in threat level.

"In some areas, you will already be used to seeing more officers than usual. 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.

"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.

"We continue to work with businesses who we are advising to review their protective security plans to ensure they have everything they need in place.

"I want you to know, we have the full range of counter terrorism tactical options at our disposal, and these will be deployed nationally and without hesitation wherever we see fit."