THERE is now a ‘substantial’ threat to Britain from Northern Ireland-related terrorism by dissident republicans, according to MI5.
The UK’s Security Service has raised the level from ‘moderate’, meaning that a terrorist attack is a now a ‘strong possibility’.
Home Secretary Teresa May briefed MPs in the House of Commons on Tuesday saying the public in Britain should remain vigilant but should not be alarmed.
“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,” said Mrs May.
“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.
“However it is sensible, given their stated aims, that the public in Great Britain should also remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police. But we should not be alarmed, and this should not affect how we go about our daily lives,” she added.
