Terror strike at heart of UK democracy

Yesterday morning I arrived at Brussels airport where thousands, including the nations Prime Minister Charles Michel,  had gathered for the anniversary of the horrific terrorist attack at Brussels airport.

I was in Brussels exactly a year ago when that attack took place-we have an annual ‘Minority young leaders’ programme here. In fact some of the US delegates were caught up in the attack, but thankfully not affected.

At our first session we also paid our quiet respect for the victims. By mid-afternoon mobile phones were alight with the unfolding news from Westminster, London. ‘Oh, my gosh’, delegates gasped, ‘here we go again’.

But it was only late last night that the true horror was laid bare. The carnage one committed attacker can cause with relative ease. The indescribable pain and sadness that consumes families with the reality of losing loved ones and those injured.

In the aftermath they’ll be condolences, soul searching, and justifiable anger that such a thing could happen in the heart of London.

But we too must not succumb to the hatred and violence that the perpetrator showed to us. If we do, they win. The brilliance of a city like London is that our sense of belonging is about as broad as the imagination can be, with the only caveats being to embrace mutual decency, fairness and respect.

Today we think of those who have lost loved ones, but we also remind ourselves about the values we truly hold and cherish at a time like this.

Simon Woolley