Last weekend’s attempted attacks in London and the fire at Glasgow Airport have given us all an unpleasant reminder of the ever-present threat from terror.  We know how frustrating it is when we are held up at airports by increased security but these new attempts have shown that we must continue to be vigilant and alert.

Had it not been for the eagle eyes of an ambulance crew, the unexploded bomb in the Haymarket, one of London’s busiest areas, could have caused tragic injuries and loss of life and I congratulate the emergency services and bomb disposal teams for their vigilance and professionalism in preventing these cowardly attacks.

Once again, terrorists have shown that they do not differentiate between race, religion, colour or class, but simply wish to cause the maximum devastation to innocent people.

These are attacks on our way of life, our freedom and the democracy we enjoy, but when millions of people fought and died during the Second World War for our right to enjoy peace and democracy, our resolve is not to be underestimated.