Here’s what happens now after UK raises terror threat to severe

It comes after a terrorist attack in Golders Green on Tuesday

The government website said that the threat level has been increased to severe "following Golders Green attack and increasing threat of Islamist and Extreme Right Wing terrorism in the UK."

Before yesterday (Thursday 30 April), the threat level sat at 'substantial' and was upped to 'severe' for the first time since 2021.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer gave an urgent speech yesterday in the aftermath of the incident in which he made a plea to the goodwill of the nation.

Attack in Golders Green declared a terrorist incident

Two men were stabbed on Wednesday morning in Highfield Avenue in Barnet, near Golders Green Road. The victims were named as Moshe Shine, 76, and Shlome Rand, 34.

A 45-year-old man, a British national born in Somalia, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. He was initially taken to hospital before being discharged into police custody.

Counter Terrorism Policing Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor confirmed the attack had formally been declared a terrorist incident, with officers investigating whether it was deliberately targeting the Jewish community.

It is the second declared terrorist attack on Britain's Jewish community in seven months, following an attack at Heaton Park Synagogue in October in which two men were killed

Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley, who visited the scene, said the suspect "has a history of serious violence and mental health issues" and was stunned with a Taser after refusing to show his hands to officers who feared he may be carrying an explosive device.

What are the different threat levels in the UK?

In the UK, there are five different degrees of threat regarding terrorism which is set by the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre and the Security Service (MI5).

The government website lists two different categories for threats.

These are threats to the UK from terrorism - currently listed as severe - and threats to Northern Ireland "from Northern Ireland-related terrorism" - which is set at substantial.

The five threat levels are:

• 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

How are threat levels decided? 

The threat level is set by the aforementioned Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre and the Security Service (MI5) and is based off a number of factors.

As per the MI5 website, there are:

• Available intelligence. This will often involve making judgements about the threat based on a range of information, which is often fragmentary, including the level and nature of current terrorist activity, comparison with events in other countries and previous attacks. Intelligence is only ever likely to reveal part of the picture.
• Terrorist capability. An examination of what is known about what a terrorist could do based on previous attacks or from intelligence.
• Terrorist intentions. Using intelligence and publicly available information to examine the overall aims of the terrorists and the ways they may achieve them including what sort of targets they would consider attacking.
• Timescale. The threat level expresses the likelihood of an attack in the near term. We know from past incidents that some attacks take years to plan, while others are put together more quickly. In the absence of specific intelligence, a judgement will need to be made about how close an attack might be to fruition. 

So, what happens when the threat level is increased?

Of course, increasing the threat level from substantial to severe is not purely a ceremonial change, but one with real-world implications.

The increase in threat level means that authorities believe a terrorist attack is highly likely within the next six months.

The government said: "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."

Announcing the increase in the threat level, Laurence Taylor, head of Counter Terrorism Police, explained what the change will mean for everyday people.

He said that people will begin to notice more police officers than usual.

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

He added: "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."

This comes alongside £25m in extra funding granted by the government to increase security for Jewish communities after being the victim of a number of recent attacks.

While the increase in threat level does not grant any additional powers or enforce public restrictions, it does signal tightening of security in public places, transport infrastructure and a general sharpening of public awareness.

Speaking about the increase, Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, said in a statement:

"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."