UK terror threat level downgraded

[Rocol]

Britain's terror threat level has been downgraded from "critical" to "severe".
But Home Secretary John Reid has warned "there is still a very serious threat of an attack".

"The public needs to know that there may be other people out there who may be planning to attack against the UK."
A ban on carrying hand luggage onto planes has also been eased.

The restriction was introduced last Thursday following an airline bomb security alert and caused huge disruption at UK airports.
Airlines have welcomed the move but airport bosses said it would take some time to adapt to the latest arrangements.

Police are still holding 23 men following Thursday's terror raids which are understood to have foiled a plot to blow transatlantic flights out of the sky.

Police have been granted until Wednesday to question 22 of the men. Another of those arrested will appear in court today for a decision on extra detention. One other man who was arrested has been released.

Home Secretary John Reid has revealed that police were investigating around two dozen major terror plots and that at least four had been foiled in the past year.

The Joint Terrorism and Analysis Centre, which co-ordinates all the UK's security and intelligence agencies to assess the terrorism threat, has nevertheless decided to downgrade the threat level status.

In a statement, Dr Reid said JTAC felt that a terrorist attack, while still "highly likely", was no longer "imminent".
He said: "There has now been time to assess the intelligence picture following the police operation.

"The police believe that the main suspects in the alleged plot were arrested last week.
"There is still a very serious threat of an attack. The threat level is at severe indicating the high likelihood of an attempted terrorist attack at some stage, and I urge the public to remain vigilant."

In a statement, the [ Department for Transport http://www.dft.gov.uk ] said passengers would now be allowed to carry one item of hand luggage on to flights.

But an item of hand luggage must not be more than 45cm long, 35cm wide and 16cm deep including wheels, handles and side pockets, the statement said.

Other bags, such as handbags, may be carried within the single item of cabin baggage, it added.

No liquids are permitted, except for essential prescription medicines and baby milk and baby food.

Let's hope that things are not ' relaxed ' to soon and too quickly, as that is more likely when an attack will take place .. just after the all clear has been sounded, and things are starting to get slack again

[Arwen]

Omg i cant beleive they are staring to ease off,as what was said in the report that is when they are more likly to attack us,as Rocol says i hope they dont ease off too soon

[O.G]

Should keep it tight for a few months at least..

[Saurgrist]

Originally Posted by Rocol

Let's hope that things are not ' relaxed ' to soon and too quickly, as that is more likely when an attack will take place .. just after the all clear has been sounded, and things are starting to get slack again

I agree Rocol, I do not think it is a good idea. What happens if they attack when the protection is not as high as it can be?

[yankeesdood16]

I agree too, they should keep the threat level at the highest for a while.

[TGLucario]

i agree....the threat should be @ high until october...then downgrade very slowly