The Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC) has changed the UK threat level from international terrorism from severe to substantial.
The current threat level means that the threat of a terrorist attack remains a strong possibility and may occur without warning. The threat level from Northern Ireland-related terrorism remains at severe (Northern Ireland) and substantial (Great Britain).<br><br>The Home Secretary, Theresa May, said in a statement on July 11: "Today the Joint Terrorism Assessment Centre (JTAC) changed the UK threat level from international terrorism from SEVERE to SUBSTANTIAL. This means that a terrorist attack is a strong possibility and might well occur without further warning.<br> <br>"The change in the threat level to SUBSTANTIAL does not mean the overall threat has gone away – there remains a real and serious threat against the United Kingdom and I would ask the public to remain vigilant.<br><br>"The decision to change the threat level is taken by JTAC independently of Ministers and is based on the very latest intelligence, considering factors such as capability, intent and timescale. SUBSTANTIAL continues to indicate a high level of threat and the threat level is kept under constant review."<br><br>There are five levels of threat:<br><br> * critical – an attack is expected imminently<br> * severe – an attack is highly likely<br> * substantial – an attack is a strong possibility<br> * moderate – an attack is possible but not likely<br> * low – an attack is unlikely<br><br>Who decides the threat levels?<br><br>The Security Service (MI5) (Opens in a new window) is responsible for setting the threat level from Irish-related terrorism, both in Northern Ireland and in Great Britain.<br><br>Meanwhile, the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (Opens in a new window) is responsible for setting the threat level from international terrorism.
