Britain downgrades terror threat level

BRITAIN has downgraded the threat from international terrorism to “substantial” from “severe”, but said there was still a strong possibility of an attack.

Authorities define the international terrorist threat as stemming from diverse groups including al-Qaida, and associates and those who share its ideology but no direct contact with it.

“We still face a real and serious threat from terrorists and the public will notice little difference in the security measures that are in place, and I urge the public to remain vigilant.

“The police and security services are continuing in their thorough efforts to discover, track and disrupt terrorist activity,” Home Secretary Alan Johnson said.

The threat level was lowered to the third highest on a five-point scale based on factors including the intent and capabilities of terrorists.

In July 2005, four British Muslims blew themselves up on London underground trains and a bus, killing 52 people and wounding 700.

Threat levels have been “severe” since the system began in 2006, meaning an attack was “highly likely”.

Twice the level reached “critical,” meaning an attack is expected imminently, first in August 2006, when police foiled an alleged plot to bomb trans-Atlantic planes and in June 2007, after attempted bombings in London and Glasgow airport.