The national threat level in the UK has been raised from substantial to severe after a terror incident occurred in north London. The Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC) has upgraded the threat level, indicating that an attack is highly likely within the next six months.
This decision comes in the wake of an antisemitic attack in Golders Green where two Jewish men were stabbed. The Home Office noted a continuous rise in the threat level due to an escalation in the broader Islamist and Extreme Right Wing terrorist risks posed by individuals and small groups within the UK.
The UK last experienced a severe threat level in November 2021 following the events at Liverpool Women’s Hospital and the tragic murder of MP Sir David Amess, before being downgraded to substantial in February 2022.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood condemned the recent attack as an act of terrorism and emphasized the need for heightened vigilance among the public. She assured increased funding for security measures to safeguard Jewish communities and reiterated the commitment to combat antisemitism.
Keir Starmer, in a press conference, urged the nation to confront and address antisemitism, emphasizing the importance of unity and collective action against hatred. The government announced a £25 million allocation for enhanced security measures, including increased police presence at key locations and expedited legislation to counter hostile activities by foreign state proxies.
New powers will be granted to the Home Secretary to proscribe state-backed organizations posing national security risks, empowering law enforcement to disrupt their operations effectively. These measures aim to bolster security, protect communities, and uphold British values against all forms of extremism.