The increase in threat comes following Thursday’s stabbing in Golders Green in North London, but it is not solely a result of that attack. The terrorist threat level in the UK has been rising for some time, driven by an increase in the broader Islamist and Extreme Right Wing Terrorist threat from individuals and small groups based in the UK.
The police service and our partners are doing everything they can to help protect the security of our citizens, public institutions, critical national infrastructure, businesses, venues and public spaces. Our security measures and activities are constantly reviewed to reflect where the threats exist and the level of threat we are facing.
The public are encouraged to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious behaviour or activity to police, in confidence on 0800 789 321 or gov.uk/ACT or in an emergency the public should always call 999. If you get caught up in the rare event of a weapons attack we urge you to follow the Run, Hide, Tell advice.
The following statement was provided yesterday by Head of Counter Terrorism Policing, Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor where he reflects on the terrorism threat level change. Read Statement on threat level | Counter Terrorism Policing
Businesses and organisations are advised to review their protective security plans in response to the increase in the national threat level and consider additional contingencies to safeguard their people and places. The building response level when the threat level is SEVERE is set at ‘Heightened’ meaning organisations should consider additional and sustainable protective security measures reflecting the broad nature of the threat combined with specific business and geographical vulnerabilities and judgements on acceptable risk.
ProtectUK provides organisations with free advice, guidance and learning to help understand protective security and improve response to the risk of terrorism. We encourage a review of available guidance including;
Resources for stakeholders to better understand the threat
Understanding the threat | ProtectUK
Fire As A Weapon Guidance | Protection at Major Events | NPSA
Marauding Terrorist Attacks (MTA) | Emergency & Incident Management | NPSA
Vehicle as a weapon | ProtectUK
Attack methodology: Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) | ProtectUK
Resources to support stakeholders to enhance their security and readiness
National Stakeholder Menu of Tactical Options | ProtectUK
Resources to support stakeholders to review their emergency response plans
Evacuation, invacuation, lockdown, protected spaces | ProtectUK
Guide Shelter Report | ProtectUK
RUN HIDE TELL | ProtectUK
Standards for Public Access Trauma (PAcT) First aid kits – equipment | ProtectUK
Crisis response kit checklist | ProtectUK
Resources to increase awareness across stakeholder resources
Personal security | ProtectUK
ACT Awareness e-Learning | ProtectUK
See, Check and Notify (SCaN) | Public Premises & Events | NPSA
Disrupting Hostile Reconnaissance | Hostile Reconnaissance | NPSA
Recognising Terrorist Threats Guide | Protection at Major Events | NPSA
Resources for stakeholders who wish to enhance their physical mitigations and readiness
Venues and Public Spaces (VaPS) guidance | ProtectUK
Risk Management Process | ProtectUK
