MI5, the United Kingdom’s domestic counterintelligence and security agency on Tuesday raised the terrorism threat level in Northern Ireland from “substantial” to “severe,” ahead of US President Joe Biden’s visit to the UK.
The decision of raising the threat level to “severe,” implies an attack is highly likely, was announced by UK Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Chris Heaton-Harris on Tuesday. However, the White House has said that the change will not affect Biden’s plans to visit the UK, CNN reported.
Heaton-Harris said the public should remain vigilant, but not be alarmed, and continue to report any concerns they have to the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
The political future of Northern Ireland rests with the democratic will of the people and not the violent actions of the few. Together we will ensure there is no return to the violence of the past. The threat level to Northern Ireland from Northern Ireland Related Terrorism is constantly monitored and is subject to a regular formal review.
Over the last 25 years, Northern Ireland has transformed into a peaceful society. The Belfast (Good Friday) Agreement demonstrates how peaceful and democratic politics improve society. However, a small number of people remain determined to cause harm to our communities through acts of politically motivated violence.
Earlier this month, US President Joe Biden said that he would visit Northern Ireland for the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement (GFA), also known as the Belfast Agreement.
While the precise dates for Biden’s visit have not been finalized, the White House said that the terror threat change will not prevent the president from visiting. Notably, the Good Friday Agreement anniversary falls on April 10. However, Biden is likely to visit slightly later in the month.
