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12/05/2016
MI5 Increases Threat Level To GB From NI-Related Terrorism Offences
The MI5 has increased the threat level to Great Britain from Northern Ireland-related terrorism offences from moderate to substantial, according to Home Secretary Theresa May.
In a statement to the House of Commons she said the threat level indicates that a terrorist attack is a strong possibility.
She said: "The main focus of violent dissident republican activity continues to be in Northern Ireland where they have targeted the brave police and prison officers who serve their communities day in and day out. The reality is that they command little support. They do not represent the views or wishes of the vast majority of people, both in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, who decisively expressed their desire for peace in the 1998 Belfast Agreement and have been transforming Northern Ireland ever since.
"However it is sensible, given their stated aims, that the public in Great Britain should also remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police. But we should not be alarmed, and this should not affect how we go about our daily lives."
Ulster Unionist Fermanagh & South Tyrone MP, Tom Elliott, said: "We have seen in recent times the lethal threat still posed by terrorists operating in Northern Ireland and it is concerning to learn that the UK Government is now raising the threat level on the mainland from moderate to substantial.
"I will be seeking swift clarification from the Government on the reasons for the threat level for Northern Ireland-related terrorism in Britain being raised to substantial. This is not a decision the security services or Government will have taken lightly. People need to know which organisations are now posing an increasing threat to the security of the United Kingdom and what level of co-operation there is between these groups. Irish Republican terrorists have murdered and created destruction for years. We don’t want any more of these actions, it is time people were allowed to get on with their lives."
(CD)
In a statement to the House of Commons she said the threat level indicates that a terrorist attack is a strong possibility.
She said: "The main focus of violent dissident republican activity continues to be in Northern Ireland where they have targeted the brave police and prison officers who serve their communities day in and day out. The reality is that they command little support. They do not represent the views or wishes of the vast majority of people, both in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, who decisively expressed their desire for peace in the 1998 Belfast Agreement and have been transforming Northern Ireland ever since.
"However it is sensible, given their stated aims, that the public in Great Britain should also remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police. But we should not be alarmed, and this should not affect how we go about our daily lives."
Ulster Unionist Fermanagh & South Tyrone MP, Tom Elliott, said: "We have seen in recent times the lethal threat still posed by terrorists operating in Northern Ireland and it is concerning to learn that the UK Government is now raising the threat level on the mainland from moderate to substantial.
"I will be seeking swift clarification from the Government on the reasons for the threat level for Northern Ireland-related terrorism in Britain being raised to substantial. This is not a decision the security services or Government will have taken lightly. People need to know which organisations are now posing an increasing threat to the security of the United Kingdom and what level of co-operation there is between these groups. Irish Republican terrorists have murdered and created destruction for years. We don’t want any more of these actions, it is time people were allowed to get on with their lives."
(CD)
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