Current UK Threat Level

SEVERE

SEVERE – An attack is highly likely.

The United Kingdom operates a national threat level system to communicate the likelihood of a terrorist attack.

Threat levels are designed to provide a consistent national assessment and help organisations, businesses, security personnel, and the public understand the current security environment.

The current UK threat level is assessed by the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC).

Threat levels do not predict a specific attack or indicate that an attack is imminent. Instead, they reflect the assessed overall threat to the UK from terrorism.

UK Threat Levels Explained

The UK national threat level system consists of five levels:

  • 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

Threat levels can change at any time based on intelligence, operational activity, and wider security assessments.

Northern Ireland-Related Terrorism Threat Level

Northern Ireland maintains a separate terrorism threat level relating specifically to Northern Ireland-related terrorism.

This assessment is separate from the main UK national threat level and reflects the distinct security situation associated with dissident republican activity in Northern Ireland.

The Northern Ireland-related terrorism threat level is currently assessed separately by MI5.

Official updates and information can be found through:

MI5 Northern Ireland Threat Levels

Who Sets the UK Threat Level?

Threat levels are set by the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC)

JTAC works alongside UK intelligence and security agencies to analyse terrorism-related intelligence and assess the national threat posture.

Official threat level information is available through:

ProtectUK Threat Levels

MI5 Threat Levels

International Threat Information

Threat level systems and terrorism-related security advice vary between countries.

For information relating to foreign travel, international terrorism risks, and overseas security advice, refer to official guidance published by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).

FCDO Foreign Travel Advice

UK NATIONAL THREAT LEVEL
SEVERE
An attack is highly likely.
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