UK Terror Threat Level Raised To 'Severe'

http://news.sky.com/story/1326830/uk-terror-threat-level-raised-to-severe

The threat from militant groups in Iraq and Syria is behind the move, which means an attack is considered "highly likely".

The terror threat level has been raised from substantial to severe, Home Secretary Theresa May has said.

This means an attack is deemed to be "highly likely", but there is no intelligence to suggest one is imminent.

Ms May said the increase was because of the threat from militant groups in Iraq and Syria, where the Islamic State fighters have seized large swathes of territory.

Prime Minister David Cameron said the UK was in the midst of a "generational struggle" against a "poisonous ideology" and said IS poses a "greater and deeper threat to our security than we have known before".

He said the intelligence and security services believed at least 500 Britons have gone to fight in Syria and potentially Iraq.

Mr Cameron revealed new legislation would be introduced to make it easier to take passports away from people would would travel abroad to fight.

Speaking before the PM's statement, Mrs May said: "The increase in the threat level is related to developments in Syria and Iraq where terrorist groups are planning attacks against the West.

"Some of those plots are likely to involve foreign fighters who have travelled there from the UK and Europe to take part in those conflicts."

She went on to add: "We face a real and serious threat in the UK from international terrorism.

"I would urge the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to the police."

Police forces say they will increase their patrols in response to the raising of the terror threat, which is set by the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC).

The JTAC's decision comes amid growing concern about hundreds of aspiring British jihadis travelling to Iraq and Syria and the murder of American journalist James Foley.

Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe, the UK's most senior police officer, said Scotland Yard is ready for an influx in case large numbers of homegrown extremists return at the same time.

National Policing Lead for Counter-Terrorism, Assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley, said: "We need communities and families to bring to our attention anyone they perceive may be vulnerable, a danger or escalating towards terrorism.

"Anyone with information is urged to contact the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321."

There are five levels of threat: critical (an attack is expected imminently), severe (an attack is highly likely), substantial (an attack is a strong possibility), moderate (an attack is possible but not likely) and low (an attack is unlikely).

Angelina it is now considered more than likely Britain will be targetted by IS etc, apparently over 500 British residents have joined in the jihadist
movement and left Britain . Most fly to Turkey who may not want to act as Immigration Officers since the British Border Agency seem iincapable of stopping them .

Panda wrote:Angelina it is now considered more than likely Britain will be targetted by IS etc, apparently over 500 British residents have joined in the jihadist
movement and left Britain . Most fly to Turkey who may not want to act as Immigration Officers since the British Border Agency seem iincapable of stopping them .

It's a dreadful situation...I dread to think what may happen here in the future.

Angelina wrote:

Panda wrote:Angelina it is now considered more than likely Britain will be targetted by IS etc, apparently over 500 British residents have joined in the jihadist
movement and left Britain . Most fly to Turkey who may not want to act as Immigration Officers since the British Border Agency seem iincapable of stopping them .

It's a dreadful situation...I dread to think what may happen here in the future.

I have just returned from a Holiday in Jersey where I lived for many years and have several friends there...was seriously thinking of moving , but could never afford a House and Rents are sky high .LOL