The UK terrorism threat has been upgraded to ‘severe’ after terror attacks in Vienna and France. This is its second-highest level, meaning that an attack is ‘highly likely’. Previously it was simply deemed ‘likely’. Home secretary Priti Patel said people should be alert but not alarmed, as it is a precautionary measure following the horrific events in Europe recently. The tipping point was the attack in Austria’s capital, where five people died in a country not known for being targeted by Islamists. It is well established that terror attacks in one country encourage copycats elsewhere. Pray for people to remain vigilant but not under any cloud of fear, and to report suspicious activity to the police without any fearful thoughts of crying ‘wolf’. Pray for MI5 and all security services monitoring suspected Islamist extremists.

Four men have pleaded guilty to drug offences after selling cocaine from a property owned by the Diocese of Exeter. In May the group was arrested in Ide, near Exeter, after police discovered 2kg of the Class A drug in nearby woods. The street value of the drugs stash was estimated to be around £200,000. Police also recovered approximately £30,000 in cash. Three of the men admitted conspiracy to supply cocaine at Exeter Crown Court last week, and the fourth admitted to a charge of conspiracy to transfer criminal property, which relates to cash seized from his car. The sentencing will be given on 27 November.

Based on a post by Passion for the Nation: ‘Ecclesiastes speaks of a time and season for everything under heaven. We can pray that during the four lockdown weeks, God’s people will take hold of the opportunity to allow Him to heal any hurts we hold in our hearts, cleanse us of wrong attitudes and motivations, and restore our first love for Him. In the days ahead may the power of the Gospel and the message of the Kingdom be released in greater measure throughout our land. Pray for God’s people to stand in the full assurance that His love, His word and His covenant with us will never fail; and for a fresh urgency to use the gifts God has given us with boldness and great courage in Jesus' name. “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11)’

Last week faith leaders from across the UK wrote to the Government, urging it to re-evaluate the closure of worship places. On 4 November health secretary Matt Hancock, speaking to the House of Commons, said, ‘Ministers are talking to faith leaders to do everything we can to reach an agreement as soon as possible on the closure of places of worship during lockdown.’ He acknowledged the backlash from faith leaders on banning worship services during the second lockdown, and said he understood ‘the impact of this infringement on liberties’. Richard Graham, MP for Gloucester, and Sir Edward Leigh both argued that places of worship should open again as soon as possible, as the buildings have enforced Covid-19 safety measures. Theresa May said that banning worship meetings could set a 'dangerous' precedent.