West Belfast: 'Deliberate' fire on 5G mast in Dunmurry
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The Independent
19 minutes ago
- The Independent
Foreign policy was a ‘driver of 7/7 attacks', says former counterterror chief Neil Basu
The 7/7 terror attacks were in part driven by Britain's foreign policy under Sir Tony Blair, a former national head of counterterrorism has claimed ahead of the 20th anniversary of the bombings. On 7 July 2005, four suicide bombers targeted the capital, killing 52 people and injuring more than 770 on three London Underground trains and a bus. Confusion, panic and then terror gripped the capital, as survivors emerged from Tube stations, some with lost limbs, others supporting their fellow travellers who were caked in dust. Terror group al-Qaeda later claimed responsibility, and in the subsequent hunt for suspects, police shot dead an innocent man, Jean Charles de Menezes, at a Tube station. Speaking to The Guardian ahead of the anniversary, Neil Basu said: 'A driver of the 7/7 attacks was foreign policy and Iraq. That does not excuse in any way what they did. 'That foreign policy decision has radicalised and made extremists of people who might not have been radicalised or extreme. And if they were on the pathway, it's pretty much guaranteed … 'All terrorists will have a freedom fighter story. Bin Laden would have had a freedom fighter story. We might think it's crap. We might think it's self-justification, but he will have had a story about liberating his lands from the great invaders.' He also said it did not mean a terrorist threat should dictate foreign policy. Mr Basu said the 'shocking act' divided society. He said: 'When terrorists hide behind a religion to commit an atrocity, people blame every follower of the religion and the religion itself. We ought to stop doing that. 'That causes a fear and suspicion of people who don't look like you, think like you, eat like you, worship like you. That has got worse, not better, and that has been caused exactly as terrorists want, by dividing a society by committing the shocking act.' Terror attacks have 'interrupted a trajectory of tolerance', he added. Mr Basu said: 'That's what I think has been most soul-destroying … It has interrupted a trajectory of tolerance that I was becoming very familiar and happy with … 'It started with 9/11 … 7/7 accelerated that in this country. The relationship between races is worse today, or as bad today as it was in the 70s and 80s. That period of tolerance is over, and feels very much over.'
Belfast Telegraph
25 minutes ago
- Belfast Telegraph
DUP's Lockhart hits out after Orange bunting stolen in Portadown in ‘sectarian hate crime'
The decorations were on an Orange arch that was installed in the Water Street area of the town. On Thursday, the bunting was 'removed and stolen', the DUP's Carla Lockhart said. Police said they are treating the incident as a sectarian hate crime. In a post on social media, Ms Lockhart said: 'This targeted act of vandalism, clearly sectarian in nature, was carried out with the intent to provoke and divide. 'The Parkmount Arch committee and local residents invested their own time, energy, and money to prepare for the 12th celebrations. Their efforts reflect pride in tradition and a desire to celebrate culture respectfully. 'I want to commend Parkmount L.O.L 127 for their calm and dignified response. As they mark their 135th anniversary actions like this I know strengthen their resolve and determination as opposed to silencing it. 'I will be meeting with the PSNI to ensure this is not filed as a minor misdemeanour, but is given the attention it rightly deserves. 'I also call on all political representatives from the area, particularly those who chunter on about tolerance and inclusion, to publicly condemn this disgraceful act.' Vigil takes place in Donaghadee for Sarah Montgomery A PSNI spokesperson said: 'Police received a report of a theft from a display in the Water Street area of Portadown. 'It was reported at around 10pm on Thursday 3rd July that bunting had been torn down and taken. 'Officers are treating this report as a sectarian hate crime and appeal to anyone with information, to contact police on 101, quoting reference 1722 03/07/25.'
The Independent
31 minutes ago
- The Independent
Man, 24, arrested after exhibition honouring Windrush generation vandalised
A man has been arrested after an exhibition honouring the Windrush generation was vandalised in Brixton, south London. Officers were called to reports of vandalism at Windrush Square at 6.09am on Thursday, the Metropolitan Police said. Portraits featuring in an exhibition were damaged. A 24-year-old man was arrested on Saturday on suspicion of vandalism, the force said. He was taken to a police station where he remains in custody. Based on investigations carried out so far, the incident is not being treated as a hate crime, the Met said, adding that further enquiries will take place to establish the circumstances. Superintendent Gabriel Cameron, who leads policing in Brixton, said: 'We understand that those in the community will feel distressed about vandalism to the Windrush exhibition in Brixton. 'We believe that this was not a hate crime, and I want to reassure anyone with concerns, that a man has now been arrested. 'Local neighbourhood officers have been in contact with the organiser of the exhibition, and remain in the area to respond to any questions or worries that people may have.' A fundraising page has been set up to restore the exhibition, which has so far raised more than £2,000.
