The national threat level for the UK from all forms of terrorism changed to Substantial in February 2022, Wiltshire & Swindon Prepared records. The level is set by the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC)1.
The same page gives the recent sequence of changes: Severe in July 2019, Substantial in November 2019, Severe in November 2020, Substantial in February 2021, Severe in November 2021 and Substantial in February 20221. It states that the current threat level is SUBSTANTIAL1.
| Date | National threat level |
|---|---|
| July 2019 | Severe |
| November 2019 | Substantial |
| November 2020 | Severe |
| February 2021 | Substantial |
| November 2021 | Severe |
| February 2022 | Substantial |
Source: Wiltshire & Swindon Prepared1
Under the published response descriptions, Substantial sits with Moderate under a "Normal" response: "Routine security measures in place. Low and moderate measures are in place which are appropriate to the businesses concerned." Severe, by contrast, is described as "Heightened", with "Additional significant security measures put in place. Specific enhanced security measure put in place for businesses and areas of vulnerability." Critical is described as "Exceptional", with "Maximum security put in place"1.
"The threat levels are for the UK as a whole and do not vary or change for any individual areas."
The page states that the national level is set by JTAC, while "the threat level for Northern Ireland in Northern Ireland is set separately by the security services"1. It says the levels have been in place since 2006 "to warn of likelihood of terrorist activity", have no expiry dates and "can change at any time as and when new information and intelligence becomes available"1. The factors considered when setting the level are listed as available intelligence, terrorist capability, terrorist intentions and timescale1.
Why it matters for households
The change applies across the UK as a whole and does not vary by area, so no household's local position differs as a result of it1. The level expresses the likelihood of an attack in the near term rather than a count of incidents, and the page notes that some attacks may be years in the planning while others could come together much more quickly1. The response description attached to Substantial refers to routine security measures appropriate to the businesses concerned, rather than to measures aimed at households1. The page does not set out any specific instructions for households at this level; it points readers to separate Counter Terrorism Policing "Run Hide Tell" advice and NaCTSO ProtectUK material1. Further detail on the levels and their meaning is set out in the guide to UK terrorism threat levels, with background on attack types in the terrorism threat in the UK and the wider picture in the major incidents hub.
What happens next
No date for the next review is given. The page states that the levels have no expiry dates and can change at any time as new information and intelligence becomes available1.
Sources (1)
- Terrorism Threat Levels - Risk Advice & Articles - Wiltshire & Swindon Prepared, wiltshireandswindonprepared.org.uk
Terrorism Threat Levels
