The UK has raised its national terror threat level from substantial to ‘severe’ following a stabbing attack on two Jewish men in Golders Green, north London. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the change reflects that a terrorist attack is now considered highly likely and acknowledged the deep concern this will cause, particularly in the Jewish community.
The Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre, which sets the national level, said the move was not made solely in response to the Golders Green incident. It pointed to a rising threat from both Islamist and extreme right‑wing individuals and small groups based in the UK. The five-tier system places ‘severe’ as the second-highest level; it was previously used after the Liverpool Women’s Hospital bombing and the 2021 killing of MP David Amess. The level had been lowered to substantial in February 2022.
In the Golders Green attack, two Jewish men aged 34 and 76 were seriously injured. Police have declared the incident a terrorist act and a 45-year-old man remains in custody. Both victims are reported to be in stable condition. Authorities say the stabbing is one of a string of recent incidents targeting Jewish services and sites.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer visited Golders Green and pledged his government would do everything possible to stamp out this hatred. The administration has already declared an antisemitism emergency and announced plans to bolster protections for Jewish communities. Ministers said they will provide an additional £25 million for police patrols and security and will fast-track legislation to give authorities stronger powers to tackle state‑sponsored proxy groups. Starmer’s visit attracted a small protest accusing the government of failing to prevent rising antisemitic violence.
Police and counterterrorism agencies say investigations and reviews of protective measures are ongoing as authorities work to reassure and safeguard affected communities.