The national threat level has been raised to ‘Critical’ in the wake of Friday morning’s attack on the London Tube system, following an assessment by the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC). Twenty-nine people were injured in an explosion on a train in Parsons Green tube station at the height of morning rush hour.
Prime Minister Theresa May has announced the decision to raise the national threat level from severe to critical. In a statement last night the Prime Minister said: “I have just been updated on the investigation into this morning’s cowardly terrorist attack in London. A major covert and overt investigation is taking place, involving police and security officials.
“I said earlier today that the national threat level was being kept under review.
“The Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre – that’s the independent organisation which is responsible for setting the threat level on the basis of available intelligence – has now decided to raise the national threat level from severe to critical. This means that their assessment is that a further attack may be imminent.
“Following JTAC’s decision, the police have asked for authorisation from the Secretary of State for Defence to enact part of the first phase of Operation Temperer.
“This is a well-established plan to provide military support to the police and for this period military personnel will replace police officers on guard at certain protected sites which are not accessible to the public. The public will see more armed police on the transport network and on our streets providing extra protection.
“This is a proportionate and sensible step which will provide extra reassurance and protection while the investigation progresses.
“The public should go about their business in the normal way and as usual be vigilant and co-operate with the police.
“I said earlier that terrorism is a great challenge of our times. But by standing together we will defeat it.”
Police Scotland have said that there is no intelligence of any specific threat to Scotland, and the response procedures in place are similar to those for recent terror related incidents.
They have assured the public that appropriate and proportionate plans are in place to protect people, businesses and public places.
In addition, all significant events taking place over the next few days will be reviewed by the police, in partnership with event organisers, and the security footprint around those events will be increased where that is deemed appropriate.
Armed officers will be deployed as appropriate on foot patrol and at key locations as a precautionary measure.
As in May, when the threat level was raised to critical following the attack at Manchester Arena, Operation Temperer is also being invoked across the UK. This will not involve military personnel being deployed in public places in Scotland.
The First Minister, Deputy First Minister and Justice Secretary Michael Matheson have been fully briefed by the Scottish Government’s Resilience operation and will remain in regular contact with Police Scotland. The Scottish Government Resilience Room has also been activated.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said last night: “Our thoughts tonight remain with those who sustained injuries in today’s attack in London. Earlier this evening, I received full briefing regarding the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre’s decision to increase the threat level from severe to critical, and to invoke Operation Temperer.
“The Scottish Government Resilience Room (SGoRR) has been activated and will remain in close contact with Police Scotland and the UK Government. Senior officials will meet again tonight to ensure we remain briefed on the practical implications for Scotland and that all appropriate actions are being taken.
“While it is natural that any increase in the threat level is of concern, the public should be reassured that all appropriate precautionary measures are being implemented. My advice to the public is to remain vigilant and report any concerns to the police – but otherwise to go about daily life as normal.”
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