Once again we see the tragic loss of life and terror on the streets of our capital, London. This time the attack is at the heart of our democracy and seat of power, Westminster, which at the time of writing remains in lock-down with politicians, public and civil servants secured, and an emergency COBRA meeting scheduled.
First and foremost, our thoughts and prayers are with those affected and the lives lost.
In these early moments, no matter what, we cannot let dark forces of division use this incident to stir up more hate and prejudice amongst our communities. This needs to be a time for calm, for reflection and not anger. Not retribution.
We are an open society. We need to remain open but vigilant.
Each and every time we collectively suffer these attacks on our ways of life, the far right deploy disgusting tactical rhetoric to exploit our pain and suffering to demonise minority groups, Muslims, immigrants and others in their sights. Politicians and our security apparatus falls into a trap welcome by far right, corporate and terrorist intetests alike: to harden our approach - reduce human rights, civil liberties; to increase the securitisation of our society; more fear, more control, less freedom. News broadcasters are too often complicit and they need to remain measured.
Our police services provide a vital and necessary service to us all. They have protected me and my loved ones in my public life, in the aftermath of the Woolwich attack, and throughout my work. Any attack on our police is an attack on our communities - they are from within our ranks and the British police protect us by our own consent. We stand by our police and political classes today and remind ourselves that those who attack our values and freedoms oppose all good people, all walks of life, all backgrounds.
Terror has no religion. There is no monopoly on terror and evil doing. This is done in no one’s name. We will stand united. Always.
First published 22 March 2017: Medium