UK to keep terrorist threat level at “severe” despite Paris attacks
The UK has not raised its terrorist threat level despite the attacks in Paris which killed over 120 people and injured hundreds more.
Prime Minister David Cameron chaired a COBR emergency meeting today to assess the situation and together with ministers and the advice of the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC) decided to keep the UK's threat level at "severe" – meaning an attack is highly likely.
It is the second highest level on the government's scale behind only "Critical" which means an attack is expected imminently.
Number 10 encouraged the public to "remain alert but not alarmed".
Read more: David Cameron warns of British casualties in Paris
A spokesperson said:
Ministers reviewed the security situation in the UK. On the advice of JTAC, the threat level will remain at severe – the level it has been at since August 2014 and which means an attack is highly likely. We encourage the public to remain alert but not alarmed.
The police have stepped up their security measures on a precautionary basis and UK border force are working with their French counterparts in light of the tighter border controls in France.
While the UK has been working together to ensure we could respond to such an attack since the Mumbai attacks in 2008, Ministers agreed we should review our plans to make sure that we learn any lessons.
Cameron also spoke with French President Francois Hollande to express his condolences and commitment co-operation to tackle the threat of terrorism.
The Union Jack has been lowered at half-mast over Downing Street with the French tricolore in a "clear demonstration of our solidarity with the French."