UK terror threat level lowered for first time in five years

Britain’s terror threat level has been lowered from “severe” to “substantial” for the first time in five years.

Substantial means a terrorist attack is now likely instead of highly likely.

The last time the terror threat level was deemed “substantial” – the middle of five options – was August 2014.

A statement from Home Secretary Priti Patel said the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre – part of MI5 – made the change independently of ministers after its biannual review.

She said the process is based “on the very latest intelligence and analysis of internal and external factors which drive the threat”.

Ms Patel added: “Despite the change in the threat level, terrorism remains one of the most direct and immediate risks to our national security.

“‘Substantial’ continues to indicate a high level of threat; and an attack might well occur without further warning.

“As ever, the public should remain vigilant and report any concerns they may have to the police.

“Government, police and intelligence agencies will continue to work tirelessly to address the threat posed by terrorism in all its forms. The threat level is kept under constant review.”

The terror threat level was raised to “critical” – meaning an attack is highly likely in the near future – in May 2017 after the Manchester Arena bombing.

It was later downgraded to “severe” where it has remained since September 2017.

The five threat levels are:

Low: An attack is highly unlikely

Moderate: An attack is possible, but not likely

Substantial: An attack is likely

Critical: An attack is highly likely in the near future.

(c) Sky News 2019: UK terror threat level lowered for first time in five years