The UK terrorism threat level has been raised to ‘severe’ in the wake of the double stabbings in Golders Green.
Officials have announced today that the threat to the UK from all forms of terrorism has moved from ‘substantial’ to ‘severe’, meaning an attack is now highly likely.
The Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC) has taken the decision to raise the level after a series of attacks on the Jewish community in recent weeks, culminating in the double stabbing of two Jewish men in Golders Green yesterday.
The threat level was last assessed as severe in November 2021 following the Liverpool Women’s Hospital bombing when a failed asylum seeker detonated an improvised explosive device killing himself and injuring a taxi driver.
In February 2022 independent JTAC experts decided to lower the terror threat to ‘substantial’, meaning an attack is likely.
The threat level has not changed for the last four years, despite a series of terrorist incidents.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has urged people to be ‘vigilant’ as she announced that the UK terrorism threat level has been raised.
Police had to taser the knifeman in Golders Green after two Jewish people were stabbed in the terror attack. Both are now in a stable condition
Ms Mahmood said: ‘Yesterday’s abhorrent, antisemitic attack was a vile act of terrorism,’ she said. ‘My thoughts today remain with the victims, and with the whole Jewish community at a time of deep disquiet and fear.
‘My deepest thanks go to the volunteers and emergency services, a number of whom I met today. Their actions saved lives and they are, and forever will be, heroes.
‘Today, the national threat level has increased to “severe”, which means a terrorist attack is considered highly likely.
‘I know this will be a source of concern to many, particularly amongst our Jewish community, who have suffered so much.
‘The Government has today announced a significant increase in investment to protect our Jewish communities, with record funding for policing and security at synagogues, schools and community centres. And we will do everything in our power to rid society of the evil of antisemitism.
‘As the threat level rises, I urge everyone to be vigilant, as they go about their daily lives, and report any concerns they have to the police. And I can assure everyone that our world-class security services and the police are working, day and night, to keep our country safe.’
The news comes as the suspect in the Golders Green terror attack is still being quizzed in custody on suspicion of attempted murder.
The government outlines five different terror attack threat levels. The move to ‘severe’ is the second highest and means ‘an attack is highly likely’.
The only level above is known as ‘critical’, which means ‘an attack is highly likely in the near future’.
The JTAC work with MI5 in setting the threat levels which are regularly reviewed. They are set based on available intelligence on terrorist capability, terrorist intentions and the timescale of the likelihood of the next attack.
Shloime Rand, 34, and Moshe Shine, 76, were allegedly stabbed by the knifeman but are now in a stable condition after being rushed to hospital. The attacker is also alleged to have tried to stab another man in his rampage in north London.
The reaction of politicians has been met with anger Keir Starmer was booed when he visited the scene at Golders Green today.
Crowds heckled the Prime Minister as he went past with chants of ‘Keir Starmer, Jew harmer’ and ‘traitor’ being struck up.
Fellow Left-winger, Green Party leader Zack Polanski was also slated for retweeting a post suggesting hero policemen who disarmed the terror suspect after he knifed two Jews had been too heavy-handed.
Today Mr Rand spoke from his hospital bed to reveal how he had been stabbed in the chest and claimed it is a ‘miracle’ he is alive.
But he also alleged that Sir Keir Starmer and his administration is ‘not doing its job’ to protect Jewish people in the UK, who he says are ‘afraid’ and ‘uncomfortable walking in the street’.
Asked whether he felt let down by the Government, he said ‘definitely’.
He said: ‘The Government, they are the ones that are able to take care of the problems. And they are not doing their job.
‘People are really concerned, people are afraid, people are uncomfortable walking in the street, people are blaming obviously the government for not doing anything about what’s going on.’
