Abbott Condemns Terror Attacks
Abbott explained: “Prime Minister Tony Blair’s role as America’s chief ally both in the war in Afghanistan, the war in Iraq and the ‘so-called’ war on terror means that Britain is a target. In many ways I think we were fortunate to get away with what was relatively few casualties. But it was still an extremely frightening experience for all of us, not just Londoners.”
Abbott went on: “Like most people I travel on buses and the Underground nearly everyday and so I identified with the horror of the people caught up in the bombings. And also like most people my very first thought was for close friends and relatives who I was frightened might be caught up in the atrocities.”
Abbott added: “I believe police and emergency services responded magnificently to what was a worst-case scenario with 4 near-simultaneous bombings across the city. I believe the bombings also showed Londoners at their best: brave and resourceful.”
“It has been a rollercoaster week for Londoners. On Saturday we had the excitement of Live 8. I actually attended the event with my son and walking home through the streets on Saturday I realised I had watched the greatest musical event of a lifetime. On Wednesday London won the Olympic bid. Like everybody else I was absolutely thrilled by what is wonderful news to London and a triumph for our Mayor Ken Livingstone.” She went on: “Then yesterday we had the nightmare of bombings.”
Abbott continued: “It takes a certain kind of murderous personality to kill innocent people on such a scale but I believe that terrorism is a methodology, not a set of political beliefs. I also believe that just as the solution to IRA terrorism ultimately proved political so will the solution to our current wave of terrorism.”
Abbott concluded: “Global terrorism is complex and inter-related. We have to look at the underlying causes of terrorism in the Middle East and all have to work to bring peace and justice to Afghanistan, Iraq and above all Palestine.”
back ⇢