Deputy Assistant Commissioner Jon Savell explains how Counter Terrorism Policing is preparing for a busy summer of major events and why public awareness continues to play a crucial role in keeping people safe
Summer in the UK has always brought people together, and millions of us will be out enjoying the packed calendar over the coming months; from festivals and live music to major sporting and community events.
For football fans, the FIFA World Cup will capture the attention and, while the matches may be taking place thousands of miles away, the excitement will be felt much closer to home. Even for those less invested in the results, major moments like these have a way of bringing people together and creating lasting memories.
At Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP), we want people to be able to feel safe and be safe this summer. An important part of that is staying alert, trusting your instincts and reporting anything that doesn’t feel right. We’ll handle the rest.
In April, the national terrorism threat level was raised to Severe, meaning an attack is highly likely. While vigilance is always vital, it is especially important at major events that can sadly be attractive targets.
Keeping people safe at scale takes planning, partnership and preparation. You may see our police officers at events this summer or you may not, as much of the work to keep people safe happens quietly behind the scenes. And since the start of 2026, we’ve protected people, buildings and public spaces at over 40 major events from vehicle-based threats alone.
CTP works closely with local police forces, the National Protective Security Authority, event organisers and venues to ensure security is built into major events from the outset. This includes information led policing, specialist planning, crowd management and the use of technology that most people will never notice.
At any one time, CTP are working on around 800 live investigations across the UK involving thousands of subjects of interest. Since 2020, MI5 and the police have disrupted 19 late-stage attacks.
These figures are not shared to cause alarm, but to underline why awareness matters.
From CTP officers and staff to local forces and event security, everyone plays a part in ensuring the safety and security of these memorable moments. But we cannot do it alone.
Our research shows the public understand the role they can play in tackling terrorism. When people trust their instincts and speak up, it makes a real difference. Every year we receive thousands of reports from the public that help the police to keep the public safe. If you see or hear something that doesn’t feel right, report it to security, staff or the police. In an emergency, always call 999. You won’t be wasting our time.
You might have seen our Run Hide Tell advice before. Its simple guidance designed to help keep people safe in the event of a firearms or weapons attack. Being prepared and knowing what to do can make a real difference to saving lives.
As someone who has spent much of my policing career focused on keeping people safe, I know these events are at their very best when people feel just that.
Once the final whistle has blown at the World Cup, and hopefully England or Scotland’s name is on the trophy, the summer will be far from over. There will still be weeks of festivals, concerts, Pride celebrations, outdoor cinema and sporting events to enjoy. Counter Terrorism Policing will continue to be there with the same priority we always have – protecting you.
So enjoy the summer, look out for one another and if something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts and report it.
