Prepare and Protect Group Meeting Latest Update
Today Lilla Bathurst, Ripon BID Manager, attended the North Yorkshire Prepare and Protect Group meeting hosted by Bridget Skaife, of Safer North Yorkshire.
John Chambers, Counter Terrorism Security Adviser for the North East presented stating that the terrorism threat level for the UK remains at “Substantial” meaning an attack is likely. Further information can be found at ProtectUK: https://www.protectuk.police.uk/
John also updated on recent court activity in our area concerning terrorism:
· A right wing extremist from Cleckheaton was jailed in February 2026
· A Howden radicalised Islamic convert was given a life sentence for planning a terror attack
· A 16 year old from Northumberland was convicted on membership of a proscribed organisation
· 3 men were given life sentences for plotting an attack targeting the Jewish community
John went on to state that whilst there is no specific evidence an attack by Iranian proxies is planned the latest events in the Middle East may motivate individuals to commit acts of terror.
John is available to any organisations who need advice on security, hostile vehicle mitigation or training. Please let me know if you would like to get in contact – manager@riponbid.co.uk
It is strongly advised that businesses and their staff undertake the ACT Awareness eLearning course, which has been designed for all UK businesses and organisations by the National Counter Terrorism Security Office.
The course takes under an hour to complete and modules include:
- Identifying Security Vulnerabilities
- How to Identify and Respond to Suspicious Behaviour
- What to do in the Event of a Bomb Threat
The Martyn’s Law factsheet can be accessed here: https://homeofficemedia.blog.gov.uk/2025/04/03/martyns-law-factsheet/
North Yorkshire Police advice for businesses is here: https://www.northyorkshire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/t/terrorism-in-the-uk/ctsa/protecting-your-business-from-terrorism/
