The United Kingdom has increased its national terrorism threat level from “substantial” to “severe” following an antisemitic stabbing in north London.
The move, announced by the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC), means an attack is now considered highly likely.
The decision follows a violent incident in Golders Green, where two Jewish men were stabbed. Police have since declared the attack a terrorist incident and say it forms part of a wider pattern of threats against the Jewish community.
Security minister Dan Jarvis said the upgrade was not based on a single event alone, but also reflected a broader rise in both Islamist extremism and far-right activity across the country.
He urged the public to stay alert but avoid panic, stressing that security services are “working round the clock” to reduce risk and protect communities.
Home secretary Shabana Mahmood said the change would understandably worry many, particularly within Jewish communities that have faced repeated targeting in recent months. She confirmed ongoing efforts to boost security at synagogues and other sensitive sites.
Authorities have linked the decision to a wider spike in hate-related violence. Recent incidents include arson attacks on Jewish charity ambulances, assaults on synagogues in north London, and earlier deadly attacks targeting worshippers in Manchester.
The UK was last at a “severe” alert level in 2021, before being downgraded the following year as the immediate threat eased. The latest shift signals renewed concern over coordinated or inspired attacks.
