Politics.co.uk

MI5 goes public on terror threat

MI5 goes public on terror threat

MI5 – the domestic security service – has gone public on its assessment of the terror threat to the UK.

Along with this security assessment MI5 has produced a good practice guide to keeping safe.

“Part of our work is to use the knowledge we have about these organisations to provide sensible and practical advice on how best to protect yourself against these threats,” said Eliza Manningham-Buller, director general of the security service.

All the information is available on the organisation’s website.

“Traditionally this advice was confined mainly to Government, but the threat of global terrorism makes it important for us to extend this advice to a wider range of people,” said Ms Manningham-Buller.

On its new website MI5 explains: “The threat from international terrorism to the UK and British interests overseas has grown substantially over recent years.”

However, it adds that the threat form Northern Ireland related terrorism remains, and that the spread of weapons of mass destruction “is another potential danger to the UK’s security”.

The advice offered include tips on physical safety and planning for an emergency.

There is also a “top ten” list for security including advice to: “Ensure good basic housekeeping in and around your buildings – for example, keep public areas tidy and well-lit, remove any unnecessary furniture, keep garden areas free from dense shrubbery.”