MI5 to send email alerts if terror risk increases

EMAIL alerts warning of any increase in the terrorist threat will be sent out to members under a new system launched by the MI5 security service.

Internet users will be able to register on the MI5 website to receive automatic electronic updates notifying them of any change to the threat level.

The move comes amid fresh demands for an independent inquiry into the July 7 bombings after claims that the head of MI5 told MPs the day before that the country faced no imminent terrorist threat.

MI5 director-general Dame Eliza Manningham-Buller gave the assurance to a gathering of Labour whips less than 24 hours before suicide bombers hit London.

Dame Eliza, who is stepping down within months, recently warned of the continuing danger of a major attack in Britain by al-Qaida or related organisations.

Details of the threat level — assessed by the Government’s Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre — have been posted on the MI5 and Home Office websites since August.

The move prompted considerable public interest and a Whitehall source said the email updates were intended to build on that system.

At the same time, it is seen as a further contribution to the Government’s policy of keeping the public informed about the dangers of a terror attack.

A source said: “Anyone who is interested in the threat level will be able to take advantage of it.”

Currently, the threat level is assessed as “severe” — the second highest rating in the Government’s five-tier system, meaning that an attack is “highly likely”.

The highest threat rating — “critical” — signals an expected imminent attack.