Threat Level
Understanding the UK’s National Terrorism Threat Level helps maintain public vigilance and provides context for the protective security responses required to keep people and businesses safe
LOW
An attack is highly unlikely.
MODERATE
An attack is possible, but not likely.
SUBSTANTIAL
An attack is likely.
SEVERE
An attack is highly likely.
CRITICAL
An attack is highly likely in the near future.
UK TERRORISM THREAT LEVEL
Current UK Threat Level
Current level
SEVERE
An attack is highly likely.
Stay informed with the latest official UK terrorism threat level published by MI5.
The UK terrorism threat level is set by the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre and published by MI5.
View MI5 Threat Level AdviceReport Suspicious Activity
Help keep your community safe by staying vigilant. If you notice any suspicious activity or potential security risks, report it to the authorities immediately
Current UK Threat Levels
- Current National Threat Level: SEVERE
- Coverage: This threat level applies to the entire UK (England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland) and covers all forms of terrorism (excluding Northern Ireland-related terrorism inside Northern Ireland).
- Meaning: A terrorist attack in the UK is currently considered highly likely.
- Northern Ireland-Related Terrorism Threat Level: SUBSTANTIAL
- Coverage: This applies specifically to Northern Ireland-related terrorism within Northern Ireland.
- Meaning: An attack from local dissident groups is considered likely.
How are Threat Levels Decided?
The Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC) is responsible for assessing and deciding the threat level for the UK. Both threat levels are kept under continuous review based on four key factors:
Available Intelligence: Analyzing fragmentary information, current terrorist activity levels, historical attack patterns, and comparisons with events in other countries.
Terrorist Capability: Evaluating what known terrorist groups or individuals are physically capable of doing based on intelligence and past actions.
Terrorist Intentions: Examining the overall goals of terrorists and potential targets they might consider attacking.
Timescale: Making a judgment on how close an attack might be to execution, whether planned over years or put together quickly.
What Does This Mean for the Public?
Context for Security Measures: Publishing threat levels helps explain why certain protective security measures (such as airport checks, bag searches, or increased police presence) are in place.
Tool for Security Practitioners: Changes in threat levels are primarily used by police and security professionals to decide necessary protective security responses.
Public Vigilance: Members of the public are advised to stay alert to the danger of terrorism regardless of the current threat level.
How to Report Suspicious Activity
Emergency / Imminent Threats: Call 999 immediately if there is an urgent threat (such as a bomb warning).
Anti-Terrorist Hotline: Call 0800 789 321 confidentially to report any suspicious activity or information related to possible terrorism.
General Enquiries: Non-imminent information can also be submitted directly to MI5 via their website.
Security Guidance
How Protective Security Works with Threat Levels
Understand how official national terrorism threat levels are assessed, how risk responses are structured, and how individuals and businesses can maintain effective vigilance
Continuous Risk Monitoring
The Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC) constantly reviews intelligence, terrorist capabilities, intentions, and timelines to determine the national threat level
Proactive Security Measures
Security practitioners, police, and businesses use the threat level to deploy tailored protective responses, such as enhanced access control, bag searches, and site security protocols
Public Awareness & Response
Stay informed and maintain active awareness. Report any suspicious activity immediately to the police via 999 for emergencies
Terrorism Threat Level
Explore answers to frequently asked questions about the UK's terrorism threat levels, how threat risks are determined by intelligence authorities, and what measures businesses and the public should follow
Need Immediate Help?
If you have information about potential terrorist activity or wish to report suspicious behaviour, contact the authorities immediately. For urgent threats, dial 999
FAQ's
The Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC) independently assesses threats and sets the UK’s national threat level. Assessments are based on four key factors:
Available Intelligence: Fragmentary data, current activity levels, and historical precedents.
Terrorist Capability: What known terrorists are capable of doing.
Terrorist Intentions: Targets and overarching goals of terrorist groups.
Timescale: Judgements on how close an attack might be to execution.
For Urgent Threats: If you suspect an immediate or active threat (such as a bomb threat), immediately dial 999.
Confidential Tip-offs: If you have non-imminent information about potential terrorist activity, call the confidential Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321 or report directly to MI5.
No, threat levels do not have expiration dates. They are kept under continuous review by JTAC and MI5, and can be changed at any time as new intelligence becomes available
No. Threat levels indicate the broad likelihood of a terrorist attack in the UK, but they do not specify precise dates, locations, or targets. Intelligence is often fragmentary, so the threat level reflects the general security risk rather than a specific event prediction.
Publishing threat levels helps keep the public informed and builds awareness. It provides context for visible security measures—such as bag searches, airport security checks, and increased police presence—while encouraging general public vigilance
Businesses and commercial venue operators can access official guidance through the National Protective Security Authority (NPSA) website or the police-led ProtectUK portal. These resources provide protective security advice, risk assessment frameworks, and practical safety protocols