City of London Police Authority Board reassures public on counter-terrorism preparedness
City of London Police Authority Board members have been reassured about the force's preparedness to counter terrorism threats, including those posed by drones and missiles. The current UK threat level was raised to SEVERE on 30 April, meaning an attack is highly likely, in response to recent attacks targeting the Jewish community and an increase in Islamist and extreme right-wing terrorism. However, the Protect the City from Terrorism
section of the report states there is no known threat to the City of London.
During a meeting on Wednesday, 14 October 2026, Councillor Deborah Oliver raised concerns about resident anxieties regarding terrorism, specifically drone attacks and missile threats
, prompted by a recent briefing from the head of MI5. She questioned how the police could reassure the public without fostering complacency.
Commander Chris Bell responded by highlighting the importance of ongoing preparedness and protective activities. He stated that the police are strengthening our security not just across businesses but across our public venues as well which is covered aptly by Martin's Law.
He also encouraged public vigilance through the Action Counters Terrorism
(ACT) campaign. The ACT campaign's message is simple: if it doesn't feel right, it provides some clear guidance for residents and again and for anybody across the city really and members of the public in general just in terms of how vigilance in the communities can help counteract some of this fear and threat.
Commander Bell also offered to deliver direct briefings to residents on these concerns, stating: outside the meeting I think it might be worth us just getting together and maybe something that our teams can come and deliver directly to residents if they've raised concerns and help outline those bits for you and allow to keep a sterile corridor between what we can say in public and what we can't say in public
.
Further details on the City of London Police's performance and activities can be found in the Public reports pack for the meeting on 14 October 2026.