The decision to change the threat level has been taken by MI5, independently of Ministers.
The Northern Ireland-related Terrorism threat level is subject to continuous review. Judgements about the threat are based on a wide range of information and it has been assessed that the threat level has now met the threshold to lower.
This is the first time that the threat level in Northern Ireland has changed in 12 years.
‘SUBSTANTIAL’ means that a terrorist attack is likely and might well occur without further warning.
Government, police and intelligence agencies will continue to work tirelessly to address the threat posed by terrorism in all its forms.
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, The Rt Hon Brandon Lewis CBE MP said:
“This is the first time the threat level in Northern Ireland has changed since 2010 and shows the significant progress that Northern Ireland has made, and continues to make, towards a more peaceful, more prosperous and safer society.
“It is a testament to the ongoing commitment to protecting the peace process and tackling Northern Ireland-related terrorism, and the tremendous efforts of the Police Service of Northern Ireland and MI5 for their hard won gains over the past decade.
“However, it is not a time for complacency. There is still a minority who wish to cause harm in Northern Ireland. As ever, the public should remain vigilant and report any concerns they may have to the police.”
Notes to Editors:
You can find out more about how the threat levels are set, what they mean and when they have changed, by visiting www.gov.uk/terrorism-national-emergency.
The statement made on 22 March 2022 by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Rt Hon Brandon Lewis CBE MP is available here.
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