Practical Travel Safety Issues - UK Raises Threat Level to "Severe"

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/8476238.stm

Synopsis:
The UK terror threat level is being raised from "substantial" to "severe", Home Secretary Alan Johnson has said.

The US Department of Homeland Security said the move meant the UK would be on a similar level of alert to America.

In a statement it said: "The UK is raising their measures to effectively where we are with the airport security measures that we have taken and announced over the last few weeks.

It is in response to the perceived increased threat from international terrorism following the failed Detroit airliner bombing on Christmas Day.

Mr Johnson stressed there was no intelligence to suggest a terrorist attack was imminent.

So.... it's "just because".

-K

My interpretation: Threat level has been raised from "The sky is falling!' to "The sky is falling!! The sky is falling!!."

The UK terror scale, in order of ascending panic:

1. Jolly Good
2. Right-O
3. Bobbies n' Cameras Everywhere
4. Immigrants are Suspicious
5. Arse Over Elbow
6. Substantial
7. Severe
8. American-Style
9. Bloody Hell!

Sounds like another "gut feeling" and a smoke screen. :rolleyes:

My first thought involved a :rolleyes: and a certain hand motion :td:

The UK terror scale, in order of ascending panic:

1. Jolly Good
2. Right-O
3. Bobbies n' Cameras Everywhere
4. Immigrants are Suspicious
5. Arse Over Elbow
6. Substantial
7. Severe
8. American-Style
9. Bloody Hell!

10. GET JACK BAUER - NOW!!!

http://images.rca.org/images/perspectives/2006/JackBauer.jpg

10. GET JACK BAUER - NOW!!!

http://images.rca.org/images/perspectives/2006/JackBauer.jpg
we are at level DAMN IT!!!!!!!

So, in the UK they use words instead of colors? How can they expect people to understand the threat level without color-coded adjectives, dammit!

So.... it's "just because".

-K

You miss the point. How else will they get public acceptance of the new security measures in UK if the dial-a-threat isn't set to maximum panic mode?

The UK terror scale, in order of ascending panic:

1. Jolly Good
2. Right-O
3. Bobbies n' Cameras Everywhere
4. Immigrants are Suspicious
5. Arse Over Elbow
6. Substantial
7. Severe
8. American-Style
9. Bloody Hell!and the pax terror scale is "buggered"

"It is in response to the perceived increased threat from international terrorism following the failed Detroit airliner bombing on Christmas Day.

Mr Johnson stressed there was no intelligence to suggest a terrorist attack was imminent."

Thank you, "Mr Johnson". You're certainly living up to the slang version of your name. You can delete the prepositional phrase in that second sentence.

"It is in response to the perceived increased threat from international terrorism following the failed Detroit airliner bombing on Christmas Day.

Mr Johnson stressed there was no intelligence to suggest a terrorist attack was imminent."

Thank you, "Mr Johnson". You're certainly living up to the slang version of your name. You can delete the prepositional phrase in that second sentence.

Interesting that "perceived increased threat" is used. Sounds like there isn't an increased threat, but people perceive there is so they're deciding to raise the "threat" level while they still can.

Despicable. :td:

False alarm guys.

We have a general election due before long, and our glorious leader isn't too popular....

Nothing to see here

Joe in Edinburgh (well Tampa for another night!)

"It is in response to the perceived increased threat from international terrorism following the failed Detroit airliner bombing on Christmas Day.

Mr Johnson stressed there was no intelligence to suggest a terrorist attack was imminent."

Thank you, "Mr Johnson". You're certainly living up to the slang version of your name. You can delete the prepositional phrase in that second sentence.
:rolleyes: stick to subjects you understand. Maybe read a few books if necessary to broaden the list. I would rate the quality of the intelligence services in the UK as several light-years ahead of those in the US with which you are infinitely more familiar. To point you in the right direction, "imminent" is the critical word in this sentence.

Your abhorrence for any form of security commentary from any government-related agency from any country is to be expected; it's easier to b*tch about everything than use judgment, critical thinking and common sense.

:rolleyes:

^:rolleyes: stick to subjects you understand. Maybe read a few books if necessary to broaden the list. I would rate the quality of the intelligence services in the UK as several light-years ahead of those in the US with which you are infinitely more familiar. To point you in the right direction, "imminent" is the critical word in this sentence.

Your abhorrence for any form of security commentary from any government-related agency from any country is to be expected; it's easier to b*tch about everything than use judgment, critical thinking and common sense.

:rolleyes:

Thank you! It's about time!

:rolleyes: stick to subjects you understand. Maybe read a few books if necessary to broaden the list. I would rate the quality of the intelligence services in the UK as several light-years ahead of those in the US with which you are infinitely more familiar. To point you in the right direction, "imminent" is the critical word in this sentence.

Your abhorrence for any form of security commentary from any government-related agency from any country is to be expected; it's easier to b*tch about everything than use judgment, critical thinking and common sense.

:rolleyes:

Ah yes, those enlightened Brits with their superior intelligence services.

(cough)

While I'm sure there's at least one family in Brazil that might take issue with your analysis, my own view is that Labour --facing all-but-certain defeat in the upcoming elections-- is taking a page out of Labour's old ally in applying the Bush/Cheney Fear Factor electrodes to the UK electorate in hopes of turning the election around.

Quite pathetic, really. Then again, it's even sadder to watch Churchhill's grandchildren shart themselves over precious little.

A reminder to please stay on topic if you want the discussion to remain in T S/S forum.

Kiwi Flyer
T S/S co-moderator

Ah yes, those enlighten Brits with their superior intelligence services.

(cough)

While I'm sure there's at least one family in Brazil that might take issue your analysis, my own take is that Labour --facing all-but-certain defeat in the upcoming elections-- is taking a page out of Labour's old ally in applying the Bush/Cheney Fear Factor electrodes to the UK electorate in hopes of turning the election around.

Quite pathetic, really. Then again, it's even sadder to watch Churchhill's grandchildren shart themselves over precious little.
I'm sure you know best.

leaving aside the partisan commentary about the quality of security services... the thing we should be discussing is how this will change the level and structure of security at LHR/LGW/STN (et al).

are we in for longer queues, double bag check and more stuff as of this new alert?

So.... it's "just because".

-K

it might not be just because. U.S. intelligence agencies have conveyed warnings of more Mumbai bombing style attacks in India. This week, Jan 26 could be a possible date (my conjecture).

:rolleyes: stick to subjects you understand. Maybe read a few books if necessary to broaden the list. I would rate the quality of the intelligence services in the UK as several light-years ahead of those in the US with which you are infinitely more familiar. To point you in the right direction, "imminent" is the critical word in this sentence.

Your abhorrence for any form of security commentary from any government-related agency from any country is to be expected; it's easier to b*tch about everything than use judgment, critical thinking and common sense.

:rolleyes:

Boo-frickety-hoo.

Either there's a good reason for escalating the UK version of the Chicken Little Threat Barometer or there isn't.

It's even easier to bleat "Comrade Napolean, er Brown is always right!" :rolleyes: Critical thinking indeed.

Light years ago when I was in the 11th Foot and Mouth Brigade, we always used to have the "alert states" on the wall. They were called "Bikini States". Although we were also conscious of the colours associated with it (see here for wikipaedia's description (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BIKINI_state)) I must admit the thought of "bikini" did take my mind off of things. And on to other far more enjoyable things.

I'll get me coat.

Light years ago when I was in the 11th Foot and Mouth Brigade, we always used to have the "alert states" on the wall. They were called "Bikini States". Although we were also conscious of the colours associated with it (see here for wikipaedia's description (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BIKINI_state)) I must admit the thought of "bikini" did take my mind off of things. And on to other far more enjoyable things.

I'll get me coat.

Unfortunately, both the US and UK governments have kept their Terrorism Barometers stuck in the upper categories for so long now that many people, myself included, tend to ignore and deride them.

This is what happens when you keep running into the village and cry "Wolf! Wolf!" on almost a daily basis. Even if there is a wolf, eventually people stop believing you. :(

it might not be just because. U.S. intelligence agencies have conveyed warnings of more Mumbai bombing style attacks in India. This week, Jan 26 could be a possible date (my conjecture).
Ah, so that would explain why the UK threat level needs to be raised. Um, no, wait, actually it doesn't. :confused:

I reckon the G20 meetings must have a mandatory "my country is more scared than your country" competition. The UK and Canada seem to have gotten tired of the US winning every time. :(

:rolleyes: stick to subjects you understand.

Have you considered your own advice above? It's needed; or at least it doesn't show. :eek:

I would rate the quality of the intelligence services in the UK as several light-years ahead of those in the US with which you are infinitely more familiar.

People rate their own myths highly and try to sell them to others. You have done just that, as entitled.

There's more in common on both sides of the Atlantic than there isn't when it comes to the "intelligence services" and the oxymoron that is intrinsic to the term "intelligence services".

Your abhorrence for any form of security commentary from any government-related agency from any country is to be expected; it's easier to b*tch about everything than use judgment, critical thinking and common sense.

People rate their own myths highly and try to sell them to others. You have done just that. Being critical of stupid forms of "security" and "security commentary" ought to be expected; and that useful application of "judgment, critical thinking and common sense" is something which Spiff's post includes.

Speaking of it's easier to b*tch about everything than use judgment, critical thinking and common sense.

Indeed. Thank you for providing the best example of that:

Your abhorrence for any form of security commentary from any government-related agency from any country is to be expected; it's easier to b*tch about everything than use judgment, critical thinking and common sense.

it might not be just because. U.S. intelligence agencies have conveyed warnings of more Mumbai bombing style attacks in India. This week, Jan 26 could be a possible date (my conjecture).

It comes up time and again. Always "imminent". Always something happening. If there is any given day in India in recent decades in which something has not happened, including on India's Republic Day, I cannot recall it.

Trust in government's CYA practices serving government better than government intelligence services serving the people.

There's more in common on both sides of the Atlantic than there isn't when it comes to the "intelligence services" and the oxymoron that is intrinsic to the term "intelligence services".

Not only that, the US and British intel services are very deeply in bed with each other. But, we'd expect someone who "knows" British intel services are several light years ahead to know and understand that and how that relationship works. :rolleyes:

Ah, so that would explain why the UK threat level needs to be raised. Um, no, wait, actually it doesn't. :confused:

I reckon the G20 meetings must have a mandatory "my country is more scared than your country" competition. The UK and Canada seem to have gotten tired of the US winning every time. :(

Unlike with the UK and the US, in recent decades not a day goes by in India in which some kind of political organization is not involved in an attack somewhere in India. The Indian government is in the routine habit of engaging in CYA security announcements, and the history of that goes back long before 9/11.

The Indian "intelligence services" are no better than the UK and US ones, but they are more practiced than the UK and US in CYA. Compared to other countries' services, do the Indian services fail to stop more "security" problems than they create? That kind of question -- including substituting other countries' names in the question -- should be asked more often than it is. They raise the threat response posturing every year in India at this time of the year going back decades. It hasn't necessarily made much of a positive difference, but CYA and making a show of it has certainly served to distract from the fact that a claimed tactical win is not the same thing as strategic success -- too often they are at cross-purposes, but good luck trying to get the Home Minister, IB, CBI and RAW heads or their equivalents elsewhere to internalize that and admit it publicly while in office.

By the way, a lot of what is going on in this area nowadays is part of a means to politically organize India and make it (or make it feel like it is) more fully pulled into the US and UK fold. As part of the increased "cooperation" with India, the US and UK are pushing India to organize "security" along the US DHS lines and "intelligence" along US DNI lines -- I wish I was kidding, but I am not. I don't see much good coming to India from parroting in that way. There is also the push for a mandatory national ID card system.

Light years ago when I was in the 11th Foot and Mouth Brigade, we always used to have the "alert states" on the wall. They were called "Bikini States". Although we were also conscious of the colours associated with it (see here for wikipaedia's description (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BIKINI_state)) I must admit the thought of "bikini" did take my mind off of things. And on to other far more enjoyable things.

I'll get me coat.

Thanks for that info. I see the UK system, much like US, has never been rated at the low end of the scale.

No wonder the alert system is so widely scorned.