You will likely have seen media coverage today about the UK national terrorism threat level being raised to SEVERE. The change in level follows the stabbing in Golders Green in North London on Wednesday 29 April, although it is not solely a result of that incident.
We recognise that news like this can feel unsettling and we just want to reassure you as we head into the Bank Holiday Weekend:
- This is a nationally set change
- It is not linked to any specific or credible threat to Greater Manchester
- There is no known threat to NHS hospitals, primary care practices or community services locally
- NHS services in GM are operating as normal
What is the national threat level?
The UK national terrorism threat level has changed from ‘Substantial’ to ‘Severe’.
This threat level of ‘Severe’ is the second highest level of five terrorism threat levels.
It means that an attack is considered highly likely within the next six months. This is a precautionary measure that applies to the country as a whole. It does not mean there is specific intelligence suggesting an imminent attack in Greater Manchester or elsewhere.
What is being done to keep residents and communities safe
The safety of everyone remains the highest priority for Greater Manchester Police (GMP). They are now deploying extra patrols around our city region, with a particular focus on providing a high-visibility presence within our Jewish communities in north Manchester, Bury and Salford but considering all parts of GM.
Colleagues from GMFRS and the Greater Manchester Resilience Unit are working closely with GMP, local authorities and other resilience partners across the city region. Our established arrangements for sharing information, monitoring risk and coordinating activity are in place and remain under regular review
A Greater Manchester-wide Strategic Coordination Group is bringing together partners from key public services, our voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise (VCFSE) networks and the government to ensure a fully coordinated approach to keeping everyone safe and well while the Severe threat level remains in place.
Our operational plans and security procedures are well rehearsed, and colleagues in relevant roles are being kept informed through the appropriate channels. Not all of this work will be visible to all staff, but please be assured these are part of our routine multi-agency preparedness and planning.
What this means for you
For most colleagues, this update does not need you to change your day-to-day activity. However, as with any increase in the national threat level, I am asking everyone to remain alert and aware of their surroundings while going about your normal work and in your daily lives.
If you notice anything that feels unusual or concerning, please report it through the appropriate route. Urgent concerns should always be reported by calling the police (999) or the anti-terrorism hotline (0800 789 321).
You can report any instances of hate crime, even if it’s not directed at you specifically, using GMP’s online form, by calling 101 or visiting a local police station. More information about reporting hate crime is available on the GMP website.
Looking after each other
If you are feeling distressed, anxious, or simply need someone to talk to, please remember support is available:
- Speak to your line manager or another trusted leader so they are aware how you are feeling and for them to help identify the support that is right for you
- The Greater Manchester Resilience Hub provides specialist psychological support for Greater Manchester health and care staff affected by critical incidents or traumatic events in work
- The GM Welling Toolkit, which includes counselling and mental health and crisis support
Take care of yourselves.
