Home Secretary Priti Patel instructed Britons to remain alert as the UK raises its terrorist threat level. Ms Patel said the threat level had been raised from substantial to severe meaning that an attack is highly likely. Ms Patel added that this was connected to the recent attacks that had occurred in European countries.
She said: “The British public should be alert but not alarmed and this is a precautionary measure following the terrible incidents we have seen in France last week and the events we saw in Austria last night.
“The first and most important duty of the Government is obviously to protect the British public and we are doing that and will continue to do that through the measure and tools we have put in place in terms of dealing with terrorists and terrorist activity.
“At this particular stage, if the public have any concerns I would ask that they report anything of concern that they may have to the police.
“But as I have said, this is a precautionary measure in light of recent events we have seen.”
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Ms Patel was then asked what efforts the Government is doing to ensure the safety of the public at this stage.
She said: “Well first of all the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC) is an independent body and they have made the judgement in light of recent events we have seen in France and Austria.
“In terms of counter activity, we work with our outstanding intelligence and police forces and intelligence agencies to put the protective and preventative measures in place, that will continue.
“Of course now the public will see more visible policing across the country and that is right in light of the threat going up but as I have said the public should not be alarmed.
“This is simply a precautionary measure.”
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