The Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC) has today (30 April
2026) 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.
The increase in
threat comes following yesterday's stabbing in
Golders Green in North London, but it is not solely a
result of that attack. The 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.
While the UK National Threat Level set independently
by JTAC reflects the terrorist threat in the UK, it comes
against a backdrop
of increased state-linked physical threats which
is encouraging acts of violence, including against the
Jewish community.
This is an independent, systematic, and
rigorous process, based on the very latest intelligence and
analysis of internal and external factors which drive the threat.
Home Secretary, , 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 UK was last at SEVERE in November 2021, following the
Liverpool Women's Hospital bombing and murder of Sir , before being lowered to
SUBSTANTIAL in February 2022.
In light of yesterday's attack and a spate of vile
antisemitic arson attacks in London, the Government
is investing an additional £25 million
funding to protect Jewish communities against horrific
antisemitic attacks.
This brings the total funding to £58 million this year – the
largest investment a government has made in protecting
Jewish communities in history. 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.
The Home Secretary will be given new proscription-like powers to
ban the activities of state-backed organisations who pose a
threat to the UK's national security. It will give police and
intelligence agencies stronger tools under the National Security
Act to
disrupt the activities of anyone acting on
behalf of state-backed organisations.
More information about how the threat levels is set and what it
means can be found by visiting the Security
Service webpage
