A Febrile Atmosphere

Watching the terrible events in Paris today from afar, I was reminded of the aftermath of the 7/7 bombings in London. At the time I was working for a national newspaper and had to travel right across London to get to work. Prior to the bombing the atmosphere was really upbeat as there had just been the announcement that London would be the host city of the 2012 Olympics. This was shattered one day later by three awful bombings.

I clearly remember three phases; the first one was anxiety for family and friends to establish quickly that they were alright, navigating failing mobile phone networks. Then came the pulling together as people struggled to return home in a city with only sporadic public transport operating. At this point there was a real sense camaraderie, of people helping each other and working for the greater good. The phrase “Dunkirk spirit” was absolutely true. This transitioned to a more febrile atmosphere, this when rumours were rife of other attacks, and everybody was hypersensitive to anything out of the ordinary. A consequence being the tragic shooting at Stockwell of an innocent man.

What 7/7 shared with 9/11 was this feeling of coming together, of unity to defend human rights in the face of the evil. I am sure that this will be the feeling in Paris over the next few days, particularly when we witness the march that is to take place on Sunday. What was also notable was how quickly this positivity and unity was squandered basically by the need to be seen to do something. I hope that in this case there will not be a knee jerk reaction, but a considered approach that seeks to build on unity. Let us come together with all people of whatever ethnicity or religion to ensure that all can live in peace and freedom. This is the time to prove that the pen is mightier than the sword that would be the greatest legacy we could give to those who sacrificed their lives in Paris. Je Suis Charlie.