MI5 Identify 23,000 Islamic Extremists in the UK

In my statement earlier today I said that the police and security services needed to investigate whether or not Abedi was acting alone. Those investigations continue, but the work undertaken throughout the day has revealed that it is a possibility we cannot ignore that there is a wider group of individuals linked to this attack. This morning I said that the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (Jtac), the independent organisation responsible for setting the threat level on the basis of the intelligence available was keeping the threat level under constant review. It has now concluded on the basis of today’s investigations that the threat level should be increased for the time being from severe to critical. This means that their assessment is not only that an attack remains highly likely, but that a further attack may be imminent. The change in the threat level means that there will be additional resources and support made available to the police as they work to keep us all safe.”

The prime minister continued: “As a result of Jtac’s decision, the police have asked for authorisation from the secretary of state for defence to deploy a number of armed military personnel in support of their armed officers. This request is part of a well established plan known as Operation Temperer in which both the armed forces and the police officers involved are well trained and well prepared to work in this kind of environment. The secretary of state for defence has approved this request and Operation Temperer is now in force. This means that armed police officers responsible for duties such as guarding key sites will be replaced by members of the armed forces, which will allow the police to significantly increase the number of armed officers on patrol in key locations. You might also see military personnel deployed at certain events, such as concerts and sports matches, helping the police to keep the public safe. In all circumstances, members of the armed forces who are deployed in this way will be under the command of police officers. ”

Precisely how the military and armed police officers will be deployed is an operational decision for police commanders. And assistant Commissioner Mark Rowley of the Metropolitan police will be making a statement giving further details at New Scotland Yard later this evening.”