Following the most recent JTAC assessment, the Home Secretary has today announced that the threat level to the UK from terrorism has been raised to Severe – an attack is highly likely.
Following yesterday’s incident at the Liverpool Women’s Hospital, the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC) has taken the decision.
The decision has been driven by two terrorist incidents in the past month, reflecting the diverse, complex and volatile nature of the terrorist threat in the UK.
Threat levels are determined independently of Ministers and are a tool for security practitioners, including the police, to use in determining what protective security response may be required.
The UK was last at SEVERE in November 2020 before being lowered to SUBSTANTIAL in February 2021.
You can find out more about how the threat levels are set, what they mean and when they have changed, by visiting https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-terrorism-threat-level-raised-to-severe
Mayor of Liverpool Joanne Anderson has responded on what this means for Liverpool.
Mayor Joanne said: “It has now been confirmed that yesterday’s incident at the Women’s Hospital was a terrorist attack.
“For all of us who know that Liverpool is a tolerant and inclusive city – this will be hard to come to terms with. Over the next few days, as we learn more about what happened, we must all support each other and unite, as we always do, when times are tough.
“Seeing an increased police presence on the streets and knowing the terrorist threat level has been raised can be unsettling, but remember: they are keeping us safe, so we need to support them however we can.
“This includes giving them the time and space to make progress in their investigations. If you think you know something to support the investigations you must share it directly with the police. That is the right and only thing to do.
“Speculating or sharing misinformation about what has happened, who is involved and the motive behind it on social media is not the right thing to do. It does not help and may event hinder the people who are working so hard to secure this terrible situation.
“I know that this has been a tough 24 hours for many people. For the people who have been evacuated from their homes, for the staff at the Women’s Hospital, for patients and family at the Women’s, and for David Perry and his family as well as other members of the wider taxi family in Liverpool. We thank you all for your patience and support.
“The next few days will not be comfortable for anyone who loves this city but we will get through this.”
