Shropshire Star

Peter Rhodes on our amazing ancestors, a cosmic statement and the same old response to terrorism

Read the latest column from Peter Rhodes.

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How local is local?

Terrorist killings in Britain always get the same well-trodden response. First, a senior police office tells us how very rare such incidents are. Next, a priest assures us that our prayers are with the bereaved. Then a councillor pops up to tell us what a robust community it is and how it will emerge from the trauma stronger than ever. It's all defiant, confident and reassuring. And it's all pure guff.

Rare? These “lone wolf” killings as seen at Reading are as rare or as commonplace as the killers want them to be because they are easy to plan and virtually impossible to stop. Prayers are irrelevant. As for making communities stronger, try telling that to the families, firms and schools suddenly robbed of inspirational and much-loved people. Many things can strengthen a society, but not bereavement.