Travelers to the United Kingdom from Australia are advised to be vigilant and follow official warnings after the UK increased its national terrorism threat level to “severe” on Wednesday due to the fact that an attack is very likely.
The announcement from the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre follows shortly after the stabbing of two Jewish men in Golders Green, north London, on 29 April.
The police have classified the stabbing as a terrorist act and made an arrest of a 45 year old British national.
The injuries sustained by the two victims, aged 34 and 76, are serious enough to put them in hospital; however, they remain in a stable condition.
The move to “severe,” the second highest point on the scale used in the UK, means that the threat has increased because of the danger posed by Islamist and extreme right wing terrorist groups.
According to Shabana Mahmood, the British Home Secretary, the act of stabbing was a “vile act of terrorism” and the government takes antisemitism seriously.
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Prime Minister Keir Starmer visited the area and pledged to use “the full power of the state” against antisemitism but was heckled by a crowd of about 100 protesters.
The government announced an additional £25m to increase police patrols and security at synagogues, schools and community centres that serve Britain’s Jewish population.
What it means for us Australians
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Smartraveller travel advice for Australia already advises travelers to “exercise a high degree of caution” in the UK based on level two warnings due to terror threats.
The warning, which was last updated on April 9, indicates that there are growing concerns regarding heightened risks to Jews and Israeli citizens all over the world.
Travellers have been advised to stay alert, monitor news sources locally and follow instructions from local authorities.
Travelers who are in the UK can register for Smartraveller alerts and contact the Australian consular officials in their area if needed.
This terror attack comes after a series of arson attacks against Jewish facilities in the capital city of the United Kingdom in which four ambulances were burnt down in an attack against the volunteer Jewish emergency service in Golders Green.
The United Kingdom’s Independent reviewer of terror legislation called this situation a national security emergency for the first time since 2017.
The message from authorities to Australians planning travel to the UK is clear: go but be informed.
Check Smartraveller before you leave, buy comprehensive travel insurance and stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
