Gary's views

TERRORISM

Last week the true threat of terrorism came to our door. This region is often sheltered from many of the worst excesses blighting other parts of the country, but no longer. If the bombs in the Exeter restaurant had detonated properly, many lives would have been devastated. We have had a lucky escape

Imagine the shock of sitting on the pavement café in Old Town Street sipping your cappuccino when suddenly a man whips a pistol out of his bag and sticks it against the head of the person sitting at the next table. Then another plain clothed man does the same and then within seconds the place is full of armed police officers shouting and screaming.

It seems to me that the police have acted swiftly and decisively and deserve our praise.

So the threat of terror has landed locally and what should our response be? First, we must ensure that life goes on as before. The terrorists do not have any ransom or political demand. They just hate all western values and want to tip us into chaos; to terrorise us. We will not let them.

Second, although life goes on as normal, it is a timely reminder to be extra vigilant and be ready to report suspicious activities to the police. Intelligence is the main weapon against this threat, and we, the people are best placed to gather it.

Third, and most importantly, we must not start treating the entire Muslim community as suspects. Most of them despise terrorism just as much as the rest of us. The reaction from Islamic leaders in the city has been swift and decisive, well done to them. Maintaining positive community relations is now paramount, or the bombers will have succeeded.

This incident plays dramatically into the debate at Westminster about detention without charge. During the next few days the police will be gathering intelligence about the would-be bomber and those who may have put him up to it. Mobile hone and computer records will be being poured over all around the clock.

How long should the police be able to detain suspected terrorists without charge? The current law says 28 days. The government want to move it to 42 days although there has been no case yet where more than 28 days has been necessary. A decision will be made by parliament shortly. We have to balance cherished civil liberties with public protection. What do you think?