U.K threat level raised to “critical” for first time in a decade

By
Nicole Jeary
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threat
The U.K threat level has been revised from "severe" to "critical" .

The U.K terror threat level has been raised to “critical” for the first time in more than a decade, in the wake of the horrifying attack in Manchester.

The threat level was adjusted in light of the deadly attack at Manchester arena on Monday evening, which saw 22 concert-goers murdered at an Ariana Grande concert. The “critical” level means that a intentional terror attack is deemed “imminent”, and calls for hyper vigilance from the intelligence and security services.

As a result of increased concern levels and insecurity, Prime Minister May has deployed up to 5,000 soldiers on the streets to avoid any further calamities at public events or concerts.

The last time in which the U.K threat level threat level reached maximum was back in 2007, after an incident at Glasgow airport.

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The identity of perpetrator of the attacks has since been revealed on Tuesday, by a U.S official to the media, against the wishes of the British police and government.

Current Home Secretary Amber Rudd has since openly condemned the intelligence leak in comments to the BBC Radio 4 Today’s Programme, she said:

“The British police have been very clear that they want to control the flow of information in order to protect operational integrity, the element of surprise.

“So it is irritating when it gets released from other sources and I have been very clear with our friends that that should not happen again.”

Intelligence is shared between Britain, America, Canada, Australia and New Zealand under the UKUSA agreement, referred to as the “Five Eyes” programme.

However, the latest leak has renewed doubts over the effectiveness of intelligence sharing, amid concerns that it had affected ongoing police investigations into those involved in the harrowing attacks in Manchester.

Whilst the Trump administration remains under intense scrutiny over similar allegations of its links to Russia and the leaking of information, Prime Minister May has said previously that the US-UK intelligence relationship remains intact.

Ms May had said: “We continue to work with the United States and we continue to share intelligence with the United States, as we do with others around the world.”

Despite heightened concern over the threat of terror, social media has been flooded in messages of support and defiance for the victims of the attack and the northern city.

On Tuesday evening, thousands gathered in the city’s Albert Square for a vigil to pay the respects to family and victims and as to demonstrate solidarity against terrorism.