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Warlite Security Company

Terrorism threat levels

The UK’s terrorism threat levels provide an official assessment of the likelihood of terrorist attacks. These levels are divided into five categories:

  • 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.

The current national threat level is set at SUBSTANTIAL, which means an attack is likely. This includes all forms of terrorism, apart from Northern Ireland-related terrorism within Northern Ireland, which is also at a SUBSTANTIAL level.

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The Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC) is responsible for setting the threat level for the UK, while MI5 determines the level for Northern Ireland-related terrorism. These evaluations are continuously reviewed based on a range of factors, including available intelligence, terrorist capabilities, and intentions, as well as the timescale for potential attacks.

Public vigilance remains crucial regardless of the threat level. The public is advised to remain alert to the danger of terrorism and report any suspicious activity to the police at 999 or the anti-terrorist hotline on 0800 789 321. For non-imminent threats, contact with MI5 is also an option.

Understanding and sharing the national threat levels help to keep the public informed and explain the context for various security measures, such as airport security or bag searches, that they may encounter.

For more advice on what to look out for and updates on threat levels, consider subscribing to the threat level alert RSS feed available on the MI5 website.