National threat level increased to ‘Severe’ following Golders Green attack

The increase in threat level follows on from the stabbing incident in North London’s Golders Green, but it’s not solely a result of that attack. The terrorist threat level in the UK has been rising for some time, driven by an increase in the broader Islamist and extreme right-wing terrorist threat posed by individuals and small groups based in the UK.

While the UK’s national threat level set independently by JTAC reflects the terrorist threat in the UK, it comes against a backdrop of increased state-linked physical threats. Those threats are encouraging acts of violence, including against members of the Jewish community.

This is an independent, systematic and rigorous process based on the very latest intelligence and analysis of internal and external factors which drive the threat.

Vile act

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said: “The abhorrent antisemitic attack in Golders Green was a vile act of terrorism. My thoughts remain with the victims, and with the whole Jewish community, at what is a time of deep disquiet and fear. My deepest thanks go to the volunteers and the Emergency Services. Their actions saved lives and they are, and forever will be, heroes.”  

Mahmood continued: “The national threat level has increased to ‘Severe’, which means a terrorist attack is considered highly likely. I know this will be a source of concern for many, particularly so among members of our Jewish community who’ve suffered so much. The Government has announced a significant increase in investment to protect our Jewish communities, with record funding for policing and security at synagogues, schools and community centres. We will do everything in our power to rid society of antisemitism.”

Further, Mahmood noted: “As the threat level rises, I urge everyone to be vigilant as they go about their daily lives and report any concerns they have to the police. I can assure everyone that our world-class Security Services and the police service are working day and night to keep our country safe.”

Previous ‘Severe’ rating 

The UK was last placed under a ‘Severe’ threat level rating back in November 2021 following the Liverpool Women’s Hospital bombing and the murder of Sir David Amess, before being lowered to ‘Substantial’ in February 2022.

In light of the Golders Green attack and a spate of vile antisemitic arson attacks in London, the Government is investing an additional £25 million funding to protect Jewish communities. This brings the total funding to £58 million this year – the largest investment a Government has made in protecting Jewish communities in history.

That funding will go towards increasing police presence and patrols in local communities in addition to added protective security in synagogues, schools and community centres. Money will also be invested into expanding Project Servator, putting specialist and plain clothes police officers in the community who are trained to spot suspicious activity and identify individuals preparing to commit serious crimes.

Fast-tracked legislation 

In the coming weeks, legislation will be fast-tracked to clamp down on individuals and groups carrying out hostile activity for foreign states, including those who act as their proxies.

The Home Secretary will be given new proscription-like powers to ban the activities of state-backed organisations who pose a threat to the UK’s national security. Under the National Security Act, the police and intelligence agencies will be given stronger tools to disrupt the activities of anyone acting on behalf of state-backed organisations.

DPP statement

Stephen Parkinson, Director of Public Prosecutions, said: “Recent events, including the appalling attack on members of the Jewish community in London, come against a deeply troubling rise in antisemitic incidents across the country. I recognise the profound fear, distress and anger that many Jewish people and families are experiencing. My thoughts remain with the victims of this attack. No-one should feel unsafe because of who they are or their faith.”

Parkinson continued: “Antisemitic hate crime is not only an attack on individuals, but also an attack on the values of respect, tolerance and the rule of law that underpin our society. Let me be clear: those who commit antisemitic crimes will be held accountable. The Crown Prosecution Service will use the full force of the law to ensure those responsible are prosecuted robustly and swiftly and that justice is done.”

Further, Parkinson noted: “We are working closely with police partners to ensure that cases are built strongly from the outset and that perpetrators are brought before the courts swiftly. There’s a strong public interest in taking a zero tolerance approach towards these hate-infected crimes. Accordingly, where offences are proven to be motivated by hostility based on religion or ethnicity, we will make full use of the powers open to us to prosecute these as aggravated offences which attract longer sentences in court.”

In conclusion, Parkinson stated: “We are engaging directly with Jewish communities to ensure their voices are heard and concerns are addressed. To anyone who has experienced or witnessed antisemitic abuse or violence, I encourage you to report it to the police. Your reports matter. They enable us to work with policing to take action and ensure that offenders face justice.”

Home Affairs Committee evidence session 

The Home Affairs Committee is planning to hold an evidence session on 14 May in order to examine antisemitism in the UK.

Antisemitism is on the rise in the UK, leading to growing concern that Jewish communities are at serious risk. Jewish people and institutions have been deliberately targeted. There are also reports of increased levels of harassment and antisemitic abuse.

In this evidence session, the Home Affairs Committee will question representatives from the Jewish community and experts in antisemitism and community safety, including Danny Stone MBE (CEO of the Antisemitism Policy Trust), Russell Langer of the Jewish Leadership Council and a representative of the Community Security Trust. The Home Affairs Committee has also invited Lord Mann, the Government’s independent advisor on antisemitism, to give evidence.

The session will explore the level of threat posed to Jewish communities and the adequacy of the response to recent violence from Government and law enforcement. The session will also consider wider drivers of antisemitism (including whether marches and protests have led to increased antisemitism) and what steps the Government should take to tackle antisemitism in society.