UK’S MI5 RAISES THREAT LEVEL

UK security service MI5 has raised the threat level to Great Britain from Northern Ireland-related terrorism. The threat level has been increased from moderate to substantial, meaning there is a strong possibility of terrorist attack. MI5 Director General Andrew Parker previously said that there were more than 20 attacks from the dissident republican group in 2014.

UK Home Secretary Theresa May 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.”

MI5 is working with the police and other relevant authorities to ensure appropriate security measures are in place. The threat levels to the UK from international terrorism remains at ‘severe’, meaning an attack is highly likely. MI5 stated that the public should also remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police.