Menu
12/05/2016
MI5 Increases Threat Level To GB From NI-Related Terrorism Offences
The MI5 has increased the threat level to Great Britain from Northern Ireland-related terrorism offences from moderate to substantial, according to Home Secretary Theresa May.
In a statement to the House of Commons she said the threat level indicates that a terrorist attack is a strong possibility.
She said: "The main focus of violent dissident republican activity continues to be in Northern Ireland where they have targeted the brave police and prison officers who serve their communities day in and day out. The reality is that they command little support. They do not represent the views or wishes of the vast majority of people, both in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, who decisively expressed their desire for peace in the 1998 Belfast Agreement and have been transforming Northern Ireland ever since.
"However it is sensible, given their stated aims, that the public in Great Britain should also remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police. But we should not be alarmed, and this should not affect how we go about our daily lives."
Ulster Unionist Fermanagh & South Tyrone MP, Tom Elliott, said: "We have seen in recent times the lethal threat still posed by terrorists operating in Northern Ireland and it is concerning to learn that the UK Government is now raising the threat level on the mainland from moderate to substantial.
"I will be seeking swift clarification from the Government on the reasons for the threat level for Northern Ireland-related terrorism in Britain being raised to substantial. This is not a decision the security services or Government will have taken lightly. People need to know which organisations are now posing an increasing threat to the security of the United Kingdom and what level of co-operation there is between these groups. Irish Republican terrorists have murdered and created destruction for years. We don’t want any more of these actions, it is time people were allowed to get on with their lives."
(CD)
In a statement to the House of Commons she said the threat level indicates that a terrorist attack is a strong possibility.
She said: "The main focus of violent dissident republican activity continues to be in Northern Ireland where they have targeted the brave police and prison officers who serve their communities day in and day out. The reality is that they command little support. They do not represent the views or wishes of the vast majority of people, both in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, who decisively expressed their desire for peace in the 1998 Belfast Agreement and have been transforming Northern Ireland ever since.
"However it is sensible, given their stated aims, that the public in Great Britain should also remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police. But we should not be alarmed, and this should not affect how we go about our daily lives."
Ulster Unionist Fermanagh & South Tyrone MP, Tom Elliott, said: "We have seen in recent times the lethal threat still posed by terrorists operating in Northern Ireland and it is concerning to learn that the UK Government is now raising the threat level on the mainland from moderate to substantial.
"I will be seeking swift clarification from the Government on the reasons for the threat level for Northern Ireland-related terrorism in Britain being raised to substantial. This is not a decision the security services or Government will have taken lightly. People need to know which organisations are now posing an increasing threat to the security of the United Kingdom and what level of co-operation there is between these groups. Irish Republican terrorists have murdered and created destruction for years. We don’t want any more of these actions, it is time people were allowed to get on with their lives."
(CD)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
22 March 2022
NI Terrorism Threat Level Reduced
PSNI Chief Constable Simon Byrne has welcomed the reduction of the Northern Ireland related terrorism threat level. Chief Constable Byrne said: "Today, we welcome the reduction of the threat level from severe to substantial. The independent assessment means the threat has moved from an attack is 'highly likely', to 'likely'.
NI Terrorism Threat Level Reduced
PSNI Chief Constable Simon Byrne has welcomed the reduction of the Northern Ireland related terrorism threat level. Chief Constable Byrne said: "Today, we welcome the reduction of the threat level from severe to substantial. The independent assessment means the threat has moved from an attack is 'highly likely', to 'likely'.
24 October 2012
NI Terrorist Threat To GB Downgraded To 'Moderate'
A Northern Ireland related terrorist attack to Great Britain has been downgraded from substantial to moderate, the Home Secretary has said. Teresa May said while an attack was possible it is unlikely.
NI Terrorist Threat To GB Downgraded To 'Moderate'
A Northern Ireland related terrorist attack to Great Britain has been downgraded from substantial to moderate, the Home Secretary has said. Teresa May said while an attack was possible it is unlikely.
28 March 2023
NI Terrorism Threat Level Raised To 'Severe'
The terrorism threat level in Northern Ireland has been raised by 'Substantial' to 'Severe', which means that M15 believe that the risk of an a terrorist attack has increased from 'likely' to "very likely".
NI Terrorism Threat Level Raised To 'Severe'
The terrorism threat level in Northern Ireland has been raised by 'Substantial' to 'Severe', which means that M15 believe that the risk of an a terrorist attack has increased from 'likely' to "very likely".
07 March 2024
Terrorism Threat Level Reduced To 'SUBSTANTIAL'
The threat of a terrorist attack in Northern Ireland has been lowered from 'SEVERE' to 'SUBSTANTIAL' by UK Security Service, MI5. This means that the threat of terrorism has gone from 'Highly likely' to 'likely'.
Terrorism Threat Level Reduced To 'SUBSTANTIAL'
The threat of a terrorist attack in Northern Ireland has been lowered from 'SEVERE' to 'SUBSTANTIAL' by UK Security Service, MI5. This means that the threat of terrorism has gone from 'Highly likely' to 'likely'.
28 March 2023
PSNI Will Not Be Deterred From Delivering 'Visible Policing Service'
The Police Service of Northern Ireland will not be deterred from delivering a "visible, accessible and responsive community focused policing service", PSNI Chief Constable Simon Byrne has said.
PSNI Will Not Be Deterred From Delivering 'Visible Policing Service'
The Police Service of Northern Ireland will not be deterred from delivering a "visible, accessible and responsive community focused policing service", PSNI Chief Constable Simon Byrne has said.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
