Last night (NZST), at around 10pm, we heard via email of the terrible bombings in London. Initially somewhat muted, I became more saddened and angry as accounts of the events unfolded both on television and from postings by witnesses on the Web. The impressive stoicism displayed by those interviewed underlined the futility of such an attack on Britain. The character and sense of humour of the people under these circumstances comes to the fore. I was also impressed by the lucidity of the Prime Minister, the Home Secretary and of the Lord Mayor of London – none of your trite, wooden, clichéd Bushisms – thank goodness.

My condolences go to those suddenly affected by this tragic event and to the victims of similar, frequent, atrocities in the world’s trouble spots that go, for the most part, without mention.