The threat level relating to terrorism in Northern Ireland has been downgraded from severe to substantial, as stated by the Secretary for Northern Ireland, Chris Heaton-Harris. It was communicated on Wednesday that the threat evaluation from MI5 had been updated. When under a severe threat, an attack is deemed highly probable whereas a substantial threat signals that an attack is likely to occur.
Continued threats to the security of Northern Ireland primarily come from dissident republicans who are against the peace process, engaging in sporadic attacks throughout recent years. However, the threat level reduction corresponds with a year free of security-related deaths, a first since the police began recording in 1969.
This advancement showcases the contribution from communities across Northern Ireland in creating a place that is safer for both living and working, a sentiment echoed by Mr. Heaton-Harris. However, he also acknowledged an increase in paramilitary activities that included bombings, shootings, and assaults as reported in the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s (PSNI) annual security statistics for 2023.
These statistics accounted for the attempted murder of a high-ranking PSNI detective, John Caldwell, who was shot by dissident republicans in February 2023. Despite surviving the attack, Mr. Caldwell suffered severe injuries.
Mr Heaton-Harris reaffirmed the thoroughness of MI5’s evaluation process, stating it to be systematic, exhaustive, and precise, and dependent on the most recent intelligence as well as other factors contributing to the threat. Commending the joint efforts of the PSNI and MI5 in combating terrorism associated with Northern Ireland, he highlighted the importance of continued vigilance among the public.
However, Mr. Heaton-Harris expressed scepticism about a united Ireland in his lifetime. He warned of a small fraction of individuals who remain intent on destabilising the political stance in Northern Ireland through acts of terrorism. Assuring their determination, he pledged that the government, police, and intelligence agencies would continue tirelessly working to address the threat of terrorism in all forms, with the threat level remaining under constant review.