Terrorism
- What are the risks?
- What is being done to prevent a terror attack?
- What can I do to help?
- More information
What are the risks?
The MI5 have stated that: ‘There is a serious and sustained threat from international terrorism to the UK and UK interests overseas. The current threat level is assessed as severe.’ This means that a terror attack is ‘highly likely’.
What is being done to prevent a terror attack?
The Home Office, the Security Service (MI5), the police and other agencies are constantly engaged in keeping the UK safe from the threat of terrorism. Since the July bombings in London, which raised the risk of future attacks, this is what has been done:
- The Government has announced a counter-terrorism bill, giving new powers to prevent terrorism.
- A cross-government initiative, called the Chemical, Biological, Radiological or Nuclear (CBRN) Resilience Programme, aims to ensure that fewer lives will be risked or lost in the event of a terrorist or accidental CBRN incident.
- The government and the emergency services regularly practice handling potential crises - including terrorism, natural disasters and major accidents. Read about the counter-terrorism exercises.
- Border security has been tightened to catch terrorists coming into the country.
- Work is being done to remove financial support for terrorism.
What can I do to help?
There is advice out there for members of the public, particularly in London, for reporting and responding to a terrorist threat:
- Always remain alert to the danger of terrorism and report any suspicious activity to the police on 999 or the anti-terrorist hotline: 0800 789 321.
- If you are aware of a less immediate threat to national security, then contact the Security Service at MI5.
For more advice on spotting suspicious activity, take a look at the section for the public on the London Metropolitan Police website: If you suspect it, report it.
Useful resources
- The Security Service is responsible for protecting the UK against threats to national security. The MI5 website provides information on the current major threats to UK security and practical advice to help businesses and organisations to protect against them.
- For further anti terrorist information visit the Metropolitan Police Service website.
- For information on the threats abroad, travellers should consult the Foreign & Commonwealth Office website for country-specific advice.