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The decision to lower the assessment from Severe – meaning an attack is highly likely – was made by the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC). This is an independent body of experts who evaluate available intelligence alongside terrorist capability and intentions.
Head of Counter Terrorism Policing, Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu, says:
The reduction to ‘Substantial’ indicates positive developments in reducing the threat from terrorism but still means an attack is likely.
Counter Terrorism Policing has around 800 live CT investigations nationally and 24 attack plots have been thwarted since the atrocity in Westminster in March 2017. So it is vital that we all maintain a high level of vigilance and continue to invest in strong protective security measures to deter future attacks
Police need the continued support of the public and all our partners.
The festive period is fast approaching and, coupled with an election, our towns and cities will be extremely busy. So we appeal to everyone to please remain vigilant and if you see something that doesn’t seem right, act and contact police at gov.uk/ACT.
In an emergency always call 999.
Officers will continue to monitor the threat locally and respond appropriately. There will not be any change to our levels of commitment when it comes to protecting our communities.
In July this year the threat level system was changed to reflect all forms of terrorism, including from right and left wing terrorism.
The UK was last at Substantial in August 2014. Since then it has been at Severe, rising briefly to Critical on two occasions in May and September 2017.
You can find out more about how the threat levels are set, what they mean and when they have changed, by visiting the Security Service MI5 website.
The Secretary of State for Wales Alun Cairns, Welsh Government Minister for International Relations Eluned Morgan, and the leaders of the North Wales Ambition Board, Councillor Dyfrig Siencyn and Councillor Mark Pritchard all committed to the deal, which sets out the next steps of the multi-million pound project.
The signing, which took place in London today at the Office of the Secretary of State for Wales, demonstrates a commitment by each of the partners to work together for the people and businesses of North Wales, and deliver local projects which will increase opportunity and prosperity in communities across the region.
Both the UK and Welsh Governments have already committed £120 million each to the deal, with the private sector and other partners making up the rest of the investment.
The North Wales Economic Ambition Board, a collaboration between the six local authorities and regional partners, has estimated that the government investment of £240 million has the potential to secure 4,000 jobs and secure over £500 million in private sector investment over the next 15 years.
The UK Government is working to bring greater investment, growth and job opportunities to communities across Wales and today’s signing represents real progress in achieving those aims.
The North Wales Growth Deal is a huge and exciting opportunity to transform the region and help rebalance the Welsh economy. We will continue to work with our partners to develop the growth deal and ensure it is delivered for the people and businesses of North Wales.
This agreement will deliver multi-million pound investment with the potential to create green collar jobs in the nuclear and low carbon sectors, as well as boosting tourism and businesses across North Wales, the Northern Powerhouse and beyond.
The opportunities created by this Deal are the latest example of the government’s commitment to levelling up every part of the UK and empowering local people to build thriving and prosperous communities.
The North Wales Growth Deal has the potential to transform the region. Signing this Heads of Terms today demonstrates our commitment to the Ambition Board and regional partners to work together for the people and businesses of North Wales.
Today’s signing is an important step forward for this transformative deal and we will continue to work with our partners to deliver a Deal which is right for North Wales.
Our joint aim is creating jobs, boosting the economy and delivering a Growth Deal that will have a positive and lasting impact for generations by creating a more equal Wales, a more prosperous Wales, and a greener Wales.
By signing the Heads of Terms we have shown our dedication and commitment to the region.
We will continue to work together for the people and businesses of North Wales, with the joint aim of creating jobs, boosting the economy and delivering a Growth Deal that will have a positive and lasting impact for generations to come.
He added:
Our next steps will be to begin implementing the priority projects and leverage funding from the private sector in key areas. Next year will be crucial in laying the foundations for the future and securing the commitment of organisations and businesses in taking these programmes forward.
The hard work starts now, and on behalf of the Ambition Board I would like to thank the many private and public sector bodies that have supported us, as well as stakeholders, both the Welsh and UK Governments and our local authority colleagues.
The deal will set a clear way forward for the deal and focussed on low carbon energy, digital connectivity, as well as land and property. The regional partners will progress detailed specific proposals with an aim of achieving final agreement by the end of 2020.
Lord Ahmad, the Prime Minister’s Special Representative on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict said:
The UK is at the forefront of global efforts to tackle conflict-related sexual violence through our Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict Initiative (PSVI). We are committed to ensuring survivors and their views, needs, advice and expertise are at the heart of the international response.
The UK was due to host the Time for Justice: Putting Survivors First conference on 18 to 20 November 2019. However, with the UK general election now called for 12 December, the government has taken the decision to postpone the conference until 2020.
Nevertheless, the UK remains committed to strengthening justice and accountability and supporting all survivors whilst tackling the root causes of conflict-related sexual violence.
Published 4 November 2019
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