Risks posed by right-wing extremists in the UK are to be included in the terror threat level system from now on.
Previously the system only assessed the threat from “international terrorism”.
Home Secretary Sajid Javid said the assessment will now cover all forms of terrorism “irrespective of the ideology that inspires them” – including right-wing, Northern Ireland, and Islamist. The changes do not affect the current threat level of “severe”, meaning an attack is “highly likely”.
The threat from Northern Ireland-related terrorism in Northern Ireland is also currently “severe”. It remains separate from the national threat level. Both levels are determined independent of government ministers.
In a written statement announcing the changes, Mr Javid said the definition of some of the threat levels have also been simplified “to ensure clarity”.