Murphy's letter from Edinburgh

 

Terrorist threat on our doorstep

Why has it taken the people of this country so long to realise they are potential targets for Islamic terrorists?

Is it because of a lack of government information, which for years has been like an ostrich sticking its head in the sand believing it will never happen?

After the Madrid bombs has the Government suddenly realised that this is for real, and that we are potential targets?

Those who have kept their eyes on world events have realised this for a long time.  And it must be said, long before the atrocities of the Twin Towers.

But as usual, the governments of the day have always been slow to react to any threat to our homeland security, and information has been very sparse.  After Sir John Stevens' chilling statement that it was only a matter of time before our country is targeted have we started to take notice and take some action?

London has become like a fortress and security has been stepped up.  But is this enough? Why does the Government believe that London is going to be the main target and that the terrorists will not strike elsewhere?

It's about time the people of this country, along with the rest of Europe, realised that this type of terrorist will strike anywhere at any time.  It's a chilling thought that we are at war with an unseen enemy, while we are still pondering what to do about it.

Written by: Andrew Murphy - published in newspaper on Wednesday 24 March 2004

Back to the main letters page