Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of the communication of the current national terrorism threat level of Severe to communities considered to be at heightened risk of terrorist attack; and what steps her Department is taking to ensure those communities receive timely and appropriate security information.

The Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre independently sets the UK National Threat Level, which is currently SEVERE, meaning that a terrorist attack is highly likely. The threat level provides transparency about the threat the UK faces and supports a shared understanding across the partners delivering the counter-terrorism strategy. As the Security Minister has previously announced, he has initiated a review of the national threat level system, which currently captures only the threat from terrorism, to ensure that it remains fully relevant, and that we are communicating as clearly as possible with the public about the national security threats that we face today.

The Government recognises the importance of ensuring that communities at heightened risk receive clear and timely information about the terrorist threat. The Home Office works closely with the police and other partners to monitor threats and ensure that effective and proportionate protections are in place. Free guidance, advice and training are available through ProtectUK, including Action Counters Terrorism and See, Check and Notify resources. Faith Security Training also provides practical support to help faith communities strengthen their security awareness and preparedness.

We do not comment on detailed protective security arrangements for particular communities or locations, as doing so could compromise their effectiveness.