Terror threat level in Northern Ireland reduced - but an attack still considered 'likely'

Chris Heaton-Harris issued a ministerial statement on the matter this morning, saying: “MI5 has lowered the Northern Ireland-related Terrorism threat level in Northern Ireland (NI) from ‘severe’ meaning an attack is highly likely to “substantial”, meaning an attack is likely.

The decision is taken by the security service MI5, independently of government ministers.

Mr Heaton-Harris said: “This is a systematic, comprehensive and rigorous process, based on the very latest intelligence and analysis of factors which drive the threat.

“The fact that the threat level is being lowered is testament to the tremendous efforts of the Police Service of Northern Ireland and MI5 to tackle Northern Ireland related terrorism.

“This positive step reflects the commitment of communities from across Northern Ireland to build a safer place to live and work.

“As ever, the public should remain vigilant and report any concerns they may have to the police. There remains a small group of people determined to destabilise the political settlement in Northern Ireland through acts of terrorism.

“The Government, police and intelligence agencies will continue to work tirelessly to address the threat posed by terrorism in all its forms. The threat level will be kept under constant review.

Ulster Unionist spokesperson on policing, Mike Nesbitt MLA, welcomed the assessment from MI5.

Mr Nesbitt said "As Desmond Tutu said, the price of freedom is eternal vigilance and I am grateful to the security services for their tireless work to keep the people of Northern Ireland safe.

"I feel the appropriate reaction to the lowering of the threat level is ‘Good, but...’ The ‘but’ being the recognition that there are still those who wish to use extreme violence to disrupt society and take life. Principally, I refer to so-called dissident republicans.

"There is also the question of the continuing presence of criminal gangs whose origins lie in loyalist paramilitary organisations. 30 years on from the loyalist ceasefires, I see no justification for their continued existence and call on self-respecting loyalists to distance themselves from the criminals in their community.

“A restored Assembly represents an opportunity to finally address the legacy of the long period of our Troubles and free individuals, families and communities from the coercive control that is still being exerted today, creating new victims in 2024."

There are 5 levels of threat – which can change at any time depending on the circumstances.

- 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

The level is set by MI5’s Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre and the Security Service (MI5)