(Secretary of State for the Home Department): On
Thursday 4 February, the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC)
lowered the UK national terrorism threat level from
SEVERE to SUBSTANTIAL. This means that a
terrorist attack is still likely.
The decision to change the UK terrorism threat level is taken by
JTAC independently of Ministers. JTAC keep the threat level under
constant review and conduct a formal review every six months.
This is a systematic, comprehensive and rigorous process, based
on the very latest intelligence and analysis of internal and
external factors which drive the threat.
The decision to lower the threat level from SEVERE to
SUBSTANTIAL is due to the significant reduction in the
momentum of attacks in Europe since those seen between September
and November 2020. However, the UK national threat level is kept
under constant review and is subject to change at any time.
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 Government, Police and intelligence agencies continue to work
tirelessly to address the threat posed by terrorism in all its
forms and the threat level remains under constant review.
