Terrorism threat levels

The Government uses terrorism threat levels to indicate to the public the likely chances, given the information they have, that there will be an imminent terrorist attack against the country. The threat levels are designed to keep people vigilant when there has not been an attack for a long period, and to raise awareness of the possible increased threat of terrorism should the level duly rise.

The threat levels

There are currently five different levels of threat which are also used by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to indicate to UK citizens travelling to foreign countries what the likelihood of an imminent terrorist attack is there too. They are as follows:

1. Critical – this is the highest level of warning in regard to terrorist attacks and indicates that an attack is very likely to happen imminently. It will only be used in extreme cases when the public should consider whether their need to travel to highly populated places is necessary.
2. Severe – this indicates an attack is highly likely. This level of terrorist threat indication has been fairly common in the UK ever since the attacks of 9/11 in the US and the subsequent bombings in London on 7th July 2005. Unfortunately the threat indication does not specify the likely target of an attack but merely urges that people report any suspicious activity immediately to the police.
3. Substantial – an attack is a strong possibility. Again this level of threat has been fairly common since the attack on the Twin Towers on 11 September 2001.
4. Moderate – an attack is possible but not likely.
5. Low – an attack is unlikely.

Who sets the threat level?

The level of threat may vary from day to day and can therefore be adjusted accordingly. The threat level is set by MI5 and based on their intelligence about terrorist activity.

What is the purpose of the threat levels?

It should be noted that the level indicator is merely to ensure the public remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity, particularly in times of high threat-level, to the police. The threat levels are not designed to give the public any more information than warning them of the likelihood of an attack. As a result, there is often criticism that the threat levels are unhelpful as they give no indication as to what will be attacked and where the likely attack will happen.

However, it is obvious as to why this information cannot be provided as MI5 are monitoring terrorists and do not want to ‘tip them off’ that they are aware of their activities. It is also fairly clear that the terrorists themselves would hear the information given by MI5 and simply switch targets. The threat level indicator is, however, a valuable way of ensuring the public remains alert in times of high risk.

Clearly, if you are at the scene of a terrorist incident or see something which you believe could be terrorist activity you should contact the police immediately. Terrorism is one of the biggest threats to the UK and comes in many forms. MI5 are heavily reliant on information provided by the public and so the public should not hesitate to contact the police. 

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