Looks like a couple of incidents, though without the timeline or a good knowledge of the location, difficult to know if it's a coordinated multilocation attack or a lone nutter.
Looks like a couple of incidents, though without the timeline or a good knowledge of the location, difficult to know if it's a coordinated multilocation attack or a lone nutter.
From the pictures out so far the car is at least 200 yards and a 90 degree turn from the gates to Parliament.
Looks like a couple of incidents, though without the timeline or a good knowledge of the location, difficult to know if it's a coordinated multilocation attack or a lone nutter.
From the pictures out so far the car is at least 200 yards and a 90 degree turn from the gates to Parliament.
Yes. I can see it clearly from my office window (100 yards away). Parliament sqaure is taped off. Helicopter on the lawn. Body by the railings is covered in a silver sheet, being bagged up.
Sky copter has just shown 4 or 5 casualties being worked on by emergency services on the bridge. Looks grim, always concerning when they have to spend so long at the scene.
BBC showing injured from the start of the south side of the bridge and along the length of the pavement with the vehicle finishing in the railings of Westminster Palace
OK. The police car blocking my view has moved. In front of the car is a person on the ground surrounded by medics. Looks very serious. Someone squashed against the railing by attacker?
Jamie RossVerified account @JamieRoss7 4m4 minutes ago More Deputy presiding officer, Linda Fabiani, updates the Holyrood chamber on reports of incident at Westminster. But the session keeps going.
Jamie RossVerified account @JamieRoss7 8m8 minutes ago More I'm not sure how much longer this Holyrood debate can keep going. No mention of events in Westminster so far. It's starting to look bad.
Not sure if I should be saying this: but it seems a slightly odd time for the attack. If you wanted maximum media exposure, surely the middle of PMQs would be best?
Not sure if I should be saying this: but it seems a slightly odd time for the attack. If you wanted maximum media exposure, surely the middle of PMQs would be best?
Needless to say: hope everyone's okay.
I think this is going to get pretty much all the media coverage possible. And people who do this sort of thing are never thinking rationally.
Not sure if I should be saying this: but it seems a slightly odd time for the attack. If you wanted maximum media exposure, surely the middle of PMQs would be best?
Needless to say: hope everyone's okay.
I think they'll get maximum media exposure regardless. Thoughts with everyone there; not much sense in speculating too much at this stage.
Not sure if I should be saying this: but it seems a slightly odd time for the attack. If you wanted maximum media exposure, surely the middle of PMQs would be best?
Needless to say: hope everyone's okay.
I think this is going to get pretty much all the media coverage possible. And people who do this sort of thing are never thinking rationally.
Yeah, but if it was the middle of PMQs you might get the PM being warned and even hustled out on camera.
'Rationally' hardly sums it up IMO, but I fear you're right.
Mr Dancer: I did wonder about that as well. Seems unlikely.
Don't twitter search it unless you've got a strong stomach, but Univision Noticias has what looks like a picture of a schoolgirl? embracing her father? in what looks like one last dieing embrace. Black & white adidas trainers on the pavement. A powerful image, I'll refrain from retweeting it though.
Don't twitter search it unless you've got a strong stomach, but Univision Noticias has what looks like a picture of a schoolgirl? embracing her father? in what looks like one last dieing embrace. Black & white adidas trainers on the pavement. A powerful image, I'll refrain from retweeting it though.
Blimey, as someone who walks across Waterloo Bridge everyday, those images are pretty gut-wrenching
Notice that despite being notified of the attack in London the Scots Parliament are carrying on their debate. Surely they should have suspended their debate out of respect
Jamie RossVerified account @JamieRoss7 3m3 minutes ago
Tory MSP Murdo Fraser requests that the presiding officer suspends the session. Fabiani says "business as usual" will continue.
I would have thought that confirmation of a terrorist incident in Westminster would be enough for a security clampdown on all similar institutions in the UK.
Jamie RossVerified account @JamieRoss7 3m3 minutes ago
Tory MSP Murdo Fraser requests that the presiding officer suspends the session. Fabiani says "business as usual" will continue.
I would have thought that confirmation of a terrorist incident in Westminster would be enough for a security clampdown on all similar institutions in the UK.
Sounds like a lone nutter to me. We shouldn't let a lone nutter interfere with parliamentary business. I think MPs should carry on with their debate instead of standing around. They are not in any danger. It is important not to over react to attempts to terrorise. Keep calm and carry on.
Jamie RossVerified account @JamieRoss7 3m3 minutes ago
Tory MSP Murdo Fraser requests that the presiding officer suspends the session. Fabiani says "business as usual" will continue.
I would have thought that confirmation of a terrorist incident in Westminster would be enough for a security clampdown on all similar institutions in the UK.
Sounds like a lone nutter to me. We shouldn't let a lone nutter interfere with parliamentary business. I think MPs should carry on with their debate instead of standing around. They are not in any danger.
Are you real - people are injured and possible some fatalities - the PM has been evacuated
Jamie RossVerified account @JamieRoss7 3m3 minutes ago
Tory MSP Murdo Fraser requests that the presiding officer suspends the session. Fabiani says "business as usual" will continue.
I would have thought that confirmation of a terrorist incident in Westminster would be enough for a security clampdown on all similar institutions in the UK.
Sounds like a lone nutter to me. We shouldn't let a lone nutter interfere with parliamentary business. I think MPs should carry on with their debate instead of standing around. They are not in any danger. It is important not to over react to attempts to terrorise. Keep calm and carry on.
So it would seem that there was not an explosion or a firearms attack on Parliament but a lone person, no doubt with mental health issues armed with a car and a knife. Innocent lives destroyed and many more ruined because of this pox in our society.
Jamie RossVerified account @JamieRoss7 3m3 minutes ago
Tory MSP Murdo Fraser requests that the presiding officer suspends the session. Fabiani says "business as usual" will continue.
I would have thought that confirmation of a terrorist incident in Westminster would be enough for a security clampdown on all similar institutions in the UK.
Sounds like a lone nutter to me. We shouldn't let a lone nutter interfere with parliamentary business. I think MPs should carry on with their debate instead of standing around. They are not in any danger. It is important not to over react to attempts to terrorise. Keep calm and carry on.
I think the Holyrood debate should carry on, but of course Westminster should be suspended. It is probably a lone nutter, but best to not take any chances.
I don't think Parliamentary debate can continue in Westminster for the moment due to immediate security concerns. However there is no reason to halt Holyrood proceedings.
Notice that despite being notified of the attack in London the Scots Parliament are carrying on their debate. Surely they should have suspended their debate out of respect
Don't think so. We should all continue as normal as far as possible, or it gives terrorists too much effect. (Some restraint in political argy-bargy on all sides would be appropriate though.)
Jamie RossVerified account @JamieRoss7 3m3 minutes ago
Tory MSP Murdo Fraser requests that the presiding officer suspends the session. Fabiani says "business as usual" will continue.
I would have thought that confirmation of a terrorist incident in Westminster would be enough for a security clampdown on all similar institutions in the UK.
Sounds like a lone nutter to me. We shouldn't let a lone nutter interfere with parliamentary business. I think MPs should carry on with their debate instead of standing around. They are not in any danger. It is important not to over react to attempts to terrorise. Keep calm and carry on.
Yes, Barnesian. This is the new normal, we'd better get used to it and soldier on.
Notice that despite being notified of the attack in London the Scots Parliament are carrying on their debate. Surely they should have suspended their debate out of respect
Don't think so. We should all continue as normal as far as possible, or it gives terrorists too much effect. (Some restraint in political argy-bargy on all sides would be appropriate though.)
Eyewitness account from Telegraph's Political Editor, Gordon Rayner From the Telegraph's office on an upper floor of Parliament near Big Ben, the first warning we had of what was about to happen was a bang, followed by a scream, coming from the direction of Westminster Underground station.
At first we assumed there had been a car accident, perhaps with someone run over, and I and my colleagues looked out of the window to see people running away from the location of the noise.
Seconds later, around a dozen people appeared to rush a gate to New Palace Yard, opposite Parliament Square. It was unclear whether the police had opened the gates to let people in for protection, or the gates were forced open by the weight of people.
Emergency services outside the Houses of Parliament Emergency services outside the Houses of Parliament The people who had come in through the gates quickly appeared to mix with others running away from the pedestrian entrance next to it, and moments later a man with a pistol - assumed to be a police officer - shot a man three times in the chest as he ran towards him, around 25 yards from the gate where the people had entered. He fell backwards onto the cobbles.
Confusion followed; inside Parliament police officers moved through corridors telling journalists and staff to stay inside their rooms. MPs in the Commons chamber were told Parliament was suspended.
Outside, shouting and temporary chaos as police tried to work out what was going on.
Within a minute police were giving emergency CPR to two people on the ground in New Palace Yard. The location is just yards away from the car park ramp where the Conservative MP Airey Neave was killed by an IRA car bomb in 1979.
Jamie RossVerified account @JamieRoss7 3m3 minutes ago
Tory MSP Murdo Fraser requests that the presiding officer suspends the session. Fabiani says "business as usual" will continue.
I would have thought that confirmation of a terrorist incident in Westminster would be enough for a security clampdown on all similar institutions in the UK.
Sounds like a lone nutter to me. We shouldn't let a lone nutter interfere with parliamentary business. I think MPs should carry on with their debate instead of standing around. They are not in any danger. It is important not to over react to attempts to terrorise. Keep calm and carry on.
Hmm, really don’t think you are in any position to make that call, safely sat in your armchair. The security forces will be far better informed and wil do what’s deemed safest.
Jamie RossVerified account @JamieRoss7 3m3 minutes ago
Tory MSP Murdo Fraser requests that the presiding officer suspends the session. Fabiani says "business as usual" will continue.
I would have thought that confirmation of a terrorist incident in Westminster would be enough for a security clampdown on all similar institutions in the UK.
Sounds like a lone nutter to me. We shouldn't let a lone nutter interfere with parliamentary business. I think MPs should carry on with their debate instead of standing around. They are not in any danger.
Are you real - people are injured and possible some fatalities - the PM has been evacuated
This is very serious
It's not serious enough to interfere with Parliament. I don't want to be unsensitive but people are killed and injured every day all over the place. To over react is to help would be terrorists succeed in terrorising.
I am in London Bridge, a way a way from the incident, but the noise of helicopters overhead is deafening.
Our security services and police are just amazing. It's trite to say it, but we do take them for granted. Only at times like these do we realise just how heroic they are. Thoughts with them and especially to all those caught up in the violence. It's just horrific.
A plague on anyone who tries to attack this country and its democracy. You will never, ever defeat us. Never.
Jamie RossVerified account @JamieRoss7 3m3 minutes ago
Tory MSP Murdo Fraser requests that the presiding officer suspends the session. Fabiani says "business as usual" will continue.
I would have thought that confirmation of a terrorist incident in Westminster would be enough for a security clampdown on all similar institutions in the UK.
Sounds like a lone nutter to me. We shouldn't let a lone nutter interfere with parliamentary business. I think MPs should carry on with their debate instead of standing around. They are not in any danger. It is important not to over react to attempts to terrorise. Keep calm and carry on.
Just suppose that wasn't the case - can you imagine how it would play out if they carried on as normal and further attacks took place? Surely they have to be 100% sure before they can carry on?
Terrible news, what can I say that others have not? Full support and admiration for the police and security forces handling this.
Jamie RossVerified account @JamieRoss7 3m3 minutes ago
Tory MSP Murdo Fraser requests that the presiding officer suspends the session. Fabiani says "business as usual" will continue.
I would have thought that confirmation of a terrorist incident in Westminster would be enough for a security clampdown on all similar institutions in the UK.
Sounds like a lone nutter to me. We shouldn't let a lone nutter interfere with parliamentary business. I think MPs should carry on with their debate instead of standing around. They are not in any danger. It is important not to over react to attempts to terrorise. Keep calm and carry on.
How do you know they are not in any danger?
Do you think they would be in greater danger debating than standing around in central lobby?
Jamie RossVerified account @JamieRoss7 3m3 minutes ago
Tory MSP Murdo Fraser requests that the presiding officer suspends the session. Fabiani says "business as usual" will continue.
I would have thought that confirmation of a terrorist incident in Westminster would be enough for a security clampdown on all similar institutions in the UK.
Sounds like a lone nutter to me. We shouldn't let a lone nutter interfere with parliamentary business. I think MPs should carry on with their debate instead of standing around. They are not in any danger.
Are you real - people are injured and possible some fatalities - the PM has been evacuated
This is very serious
Yes it is very serious for the poor sods who were just going about their everyday business and the families of those people. However, in the great scheme of things it is not very serious at all, nothing will change because of this random act of violence.
That said I hope the perpetrator will burn in hell for a jolly long time, he probably thinks he is off to his 72 virgins.
Jamie RossVerified account @JamieRoss7 3m3 minutes ago
Tory MSP Murdo Fraser requests that the presiding officer suspends the session. Fabiani says "business as usual" will continue.
I would have thought that confirmation of a terrorist incident in Westminster would be enough for a security clampdown on all similar institutions in the UK.
Sounds like a lone nutter to me. We shouldn't let a lone nutter interfere with parliamentary business. I think MPs should carry on with their debate instead of standing around. They are not in any danger.
Are you real - people are injured and possible some fatalities - the PM has been evacuated
This is very serious
It's not serious enough to interfere with Parliament. I don't want to be unsensitive but people are killed and injured every day all over the place. To over react is to help would be terrorists succeed in terrorising.
It was a direct attack on Parliament. It is not an over-reaction to suspend the sittings until given the all clear from the security services.
I am in London Bridge, a way a way from the incident, but the noise of helicopters overhead is deafening.
Our security services and police are just amazing. It's trite to say it, but we do take them for granted. Only at times like these do we realise just how heroic they are. Thoughts with them and especially to all those caught up in the violence. It's just horrific.
A plague on anyone who tries to attack this country and its democracy. You will never, ever defeat us. Never.
Jamie RossVerified account @JamieRoss7 3m3 minutes ago
Tory MSP Murdo Fraser requests that the presiding officer suspends the session. Fabiani says "business as usual" will continue.
I would have thought that confirmation of a terrorist incident in Westminster would be enough for a security clampdown on all similar institutions in the UK.
Sounds like a lone nutter to me. We shouldn't let a lone nutter interfere with parliamentary business. I think MPs should carry on with their debate instead of standing around. They are not in any danger.
Are you real - people are injured and possible some fatalities - the PM has been evacuated
This is very serious
It's not serious enough to interfere with Parliament. I don't want to be unsensitive but people are killed and injured every day all over the place. To over react is to help would be terrorists succeed in terrorising.
I think you will be in a minority with those comments
Lone attacks (and I very much hope it is) are very hard to guard against. Westminster terrorist incidents are rehearsed and practiced regularly, and we can see this one was resolved and managed very quickly. All credit to the security services for that.
Unfortunately, there may be some fatalities and life-changing injuries for the victims.
I am in London Bridge, a way a way from the incident, but the noise of helicopters overhead is deafening.
Our security services and police are just amazing. It's trite to say it, but we do take them for granted. Only at times like these do we realise just how heroic they are. Thoughts with them and especially to all those caught up in the violence. It's just horrific.
A plague on anyone who tries to attack this country and its democracy. You will never, ever defeat us. Never.
Jamie RossVerified account @JamieRoss7 3m3 minutes ago
Tory MSP Murdo Fraser requests that the presiding officer suspends the session. Fabiani says "business as usual" will continue.
I would have thought that confirmation of a terrorist incident in Westminster would be enough for a security clampdown on all similar institutions in the UK.
Sounds like a lone nutter to me. We shouldn't let a lone nutter interfere with parliamentary business. I think MPs should carry on with their debate instead of standing around. They are not in any danger. It is important not to over react to attempts to terrorise. Keep calm and carry on.
How do you know they are not in any danger?
Do you think they would be in greater danger debating than standing around in central lobby?
I would like my elected representatives to have 100% focus on the subject under debate. If only for practical such reasons it's right that parliament is adjourned.
I am in London Bridge, a way a way from the incident, but the noise of helicopters overhead is deafening.
Our security services and police are just amazing. It's trite to say it, but we do take them for granted. Only at times like these do we realise just how heroic they are. Thoughts with them and especially to all those caught up in the violence. It's just horrific.
A plague on anyone who tries to attack this country and its democracy. You will never, ever defeat us. Never.
Yes, it looks like a superb response from the security forces- both the later surge, and by the coppers in the initial attack.
Lone attacks (and I very much hope it is) are very hard to guard against. Westminster terrorist incidents are rehearsed and practiced regularly, and we can see this one was resolved and managed very quickly. All credit to the security services for that.
Unfortunately, there may be some fatalities and life-changing injuries for the victims.
From what I've seen on the guardian liveblog it appears there are two suspects. So not a lone nutter but potentially a small cell operation (on the scale of Charlie Hebdo rather than the Bataclan attacks). Of course it's impossible to know at this point.
And yes, it appears that quick reactions by security services have perhaps mitigated the situation significantly.
I am in London Bridge, a way a way from the incident, but the noise of helicopters overhead is deafening.
Our security services and police are just amazing. It's trite to say it, but we do take them for granted. Only at times like these do we realise just how heroic they are. Thoughts with them and especially to all those caught up in the violence. It's just horrific.
A plague on anyone who tries to attack this country and its democracy. You will never, ever defeat us. Never.
Yes, it looks like a superb response from the security forces- both the later surge, and by the coppers in the initial attack.
I can vouch for that. I have a grandstand view and they were effective within moments. Keep calm and carry on. There are bodies outside (or at least were) but the office is carrying on.
Sky copter has just shown 4 or 5 casualties being worked on by emergency services on the bridge. Looks grim, always concerning when they have to spend so long at the scene.
Reuters have tweeted pix of serious casualties mown down. Sky witness says seen body face down in water.
Jamie RossVerified account @JamieRoss7 3m3 minutes ago
Tory MSP Murdo Fraser requests that the presiding officer suspends the session. Fabiani says "business as usual" will continue.
I would have thought that confirmation of a terrorist incident in Westminster would be enough for a security clampdown on all similar institutions in the UK.
Sounds like a lone nutter to me. We shouldn't let a lone nutter interfere with parliamentary business. I think MPs should carry on with their debate instead of standing around. They are not in any danger. It is important not to over react to attempts to terrorise. Keep calm and carry on.
How do you know they are not in any danger?
Do you think they would be in greater danger debating than standing around in central lobby?
I would like my elected representatives to have 100% focus on the subject under debate. If only for practical such reasons it's right that parliament is adjourned.
Fair enough. That's a good point. I suspect they would all be on their smartphones following the news rather than attending to the debate.
I react the way I do because I see the purpose of terrorism is to terrorise and I think the way to neutralise that is act calmly and not be terrorised. Indeed that is the advice given by the police. I'm not saying that one shouldn't be alert, or that the security forces shouldn't do their best to prevent or contain terrorist attacks.
It isn't by buckling in fear following a terrorist attack that we might be defeated. It's by heightened tension leading to free speech being gradually eroded, ever greater powers handed to police, and a blind eye being turned to crimes because of cultural sensitivities.
Just recall the reactions to the Danish cartoons. No paper publishing them, a Channel 4 debate in which a phone vote wanted them shown but they weren't, and a police escort for men [some dressed as suicide bombers] carrying placards calling for death to the West and the decapitation of those who insult Islam.
Mr. Observer, I hope you're right. But it remains to be seen. The threat we face is more insidious than a foe in uniform.
I am in London Bridge, a way a way from the incident, but the noise of helicopters overhead is deafening.
Our security services and police are just amazing. It's trite to say it, but we do take them for granted. Only at times like these do we realise just how heroic they are. Thoughts with them and especially to all those caught up in the violence. It's just horrific.
A plague on anyone who tries to attack this country and its democracy. You will never, ever defeat us. Never.
Their response seem to have been very impressively rapid.
Jamie RossVerified account @JamieRoss7 3m3 minutes ago
Tory MSP Murdo Fraser requests that the presiding officer suspends the session. Fabiani says "business as usual" will continue.
I would have thought that confirmation of a terrorist incident in Westminster would be enough for a security clampdown on all similar institutions in the UK.
Sounds like a lone nutter to me. We shouldn't let a lone nutter interfere with parliamentary business. I think MPs should carry on with their debate instead of standing around. They are not in any danger.
Are you real - people are injured and possible some fatalities - the PM has been evacuated
This is very serious
Yes it is very serious for the poor sods who were just going about their everyday business and the families of those people. However, in the great scheme of things it is not very serious at all, nothing will change because of this random act of violence.
That said I hope the perpetrator will burn in hell for a jolly long time, he probably thinks he is off to his 72 virgins.
72 women who don't know what they are doing? It would serve him right.
Bloke on Sky says there was a body face down in the water under the bridge, and Sky unfortunately showed a picture of a casualty lying at the bottom of some steps with a lot of blood and legs at unnatural angles. Very disturbing.
Comments
Car rammed into gates outside parliament
Man reportedly wielding knife
✔
@bbclaurak
Richard tice political campaigner tells me he can see ten bodies on westminster bridge - I can't confirm that from where I am
2:57 PM - 22 Mar 2017
More
Westminster: EARLY reports suggest: car hits pedestrians on bridge; crashes into Parliament railings; driver gets out attacks PC, then shot
Unconfirmed reports that up to 12 injured on Westminster Bridge.
Richard Tice eye witness saying 8-10 bodies on Westminster Bridge. Mown down by vehicle driving down pavement.
More
Deputy presiding officer, Linda Fabiani, updates the Holyrood chamber on reports of incident at Westminster. But the session keeps going.
Jamie RossVerified account @JamieRoss7 8m8 minutes ago
More
I'm not sure how much longer this Holyrood debate can keep going. No mention of events in Westminster so far. It's starting to look bad.
Needless to say: hope everyone's okay.
'Rationally' hardly sums it up IMO, but I fear you're right.
Mr Dancer: I did wonder about that as well. Seems unlikely.
It is better not to speculate too much until a clearer picture emerges.
Police have now confirmed they are treating it as a terrorist attack.
Black & white adidas trainers on the pavement.
A powerful image, I'll refrain from retweeting it though.
Jamie RossVerified account @JamieRoss7 3m3 minutes ago
Tory MSP Murdo Fraser requests that the presiding officer suspends the session. Fabiani says "business as usual" will continue.
This is very serious
Several attacks (the Hebdo set and the Bataclan ones) involved multiple stages/locations. This may well be over, but it might not be.
From the Telegraph live blog
Eyewitness account from Telegraph's Political Editor, Gordon Rayner
From the Telegraph's office on an upper floor of Parliament near Big Ben, the first warning we had of what was about to happen was a bang, followed by a scream, coming from the direction of Westminster Underground station.
At first we assumed there had been a car accident, perhaps with someone run over, and I and my colleagues looked out of the window to see people running away from the location of the noise.
Seconds later, around a dozen people appeared to rush a gate to New Palace Yard, opposite Parliament Square. It was unclear whether the police had opened the gates to let people in for protection, or the gates were forced open by the weight of people.
Emergency services outside the Houses of Parliament
Emergency services outside the Houses of Parliament
The people who had come in through the gates quickly appeared to mix with others running away from the pedestrian entrance next to it, and moments later a man with a pistol - assumed to be a police officer - shot a man three times in the chest as he ran towards him, around 25 yards from the gate where the people had entered. He fell backwards onto the cobbles.
Confusion followed; inside Parliament police officers moved through corridors telling journalists and staff to stay inside their rooms. MPs in the Commons chamber were told Parliament was suspended.
Outside, shouting and temporary chaos as police tried to work out what was going on.
Within a minute police were giving emergency CPR to two people on the ground in New Palace Yard. The location is just yards away from the car park ramp where the Conservative MP Airey Neave was killed by an IRA car bomb in 1979.
Our security services and police are just amazing. It's trite to say it, but we do take them for granted. Only at times like these do we realise just how heroic they are. Thoughts with them and especially to all those caught up in the violence. It's just horrific.
A plague on anyone who tries to attack this country and its democracy. You will never, ever defeat us. Never.
Terrible news, what can I say that others have not? Full support and admiration for the police and security forces handling this.
That said I hope the perpetrator will burn in hell for a jolly long time, he probably thinks he is off to his 72 virgins.
Lone attacks (and I very much hope it is) are very hard to guard against. Westminster terrorist incidents are rehearsed and practiced regularly, and we can see this one was resolved and managed very quickly. All credit to the security services for that.
Unfortunately, there may be some fatalities and life-changing injuries for the victims.
People stranded on London eye which I see has stopped.
3:42 PM - 22 Mar 2017
They would have seen the whole of the carnage on the bridge. Extremely distressing I imagine.
And yes, it appears that quick reactions by security services have perhaps mitigated the situation significantly.
Keep calm and carry on. There are bodies outside (or at least were) but the office is carrying on.
I react the way I do because I see the purpose of terrorism is to terrorise and I think the way to neutralise that is act calmly and not be terrorised. Indeed that is the advice given by the police. I'm not saying that one shouldn't be alert, or that the security forces shouldn't do their best to prevent or contain terrorist attacks.
Just recall the reactions to the Danish cartoons. No paper publishing them, a Channel 4 debate in which a phone vote wanted them shown but they weren't, and a police escort for men [some dressed as suicide bombers] carrying placards calling for death to the West and the decapitation of those who insult Islam.
Mr. Observer, I hope you're right. But it remains to be seen. The threat we face is more insidious than a foe in uniform.