MPs call for unity

We must unite to defeat terrorists: By Wycombe MP Paul Goodman

IN a conflict with terror, it's vital to work out what the enemy wants you to do and then to do the opposite.

The aim of the terrorists who planned and executed the London atrocities is clear: they want to divide our communities, and set them against each other. It's right that we should be angry about the murders and mayhem in London.

It's no less essential that we remain cool-headed and resolve together not to play the terrorists' game.

This truth has a particular application in our common home of the High Wycombe and Marlow area.

We are a multi-ethnic community. We have in the past avoided the troubles which have riven some cities in the north. And we want to live together in peace and prosperity. I want to honour the local Muslim community leaders who have powerfully and unequivocally condemned the London bombings. Both they and the rest of us have much work to do. Those of us who aren't Muslims must strive ceaselessly for equal opportunities for all both here and abroad. And those of us who are Muslims must work no less tirelessly to confront and defeat terror in their own communities.

Only by striking such a bargain between Muslim and non-Muslim will we root out terror and build a just, decent society.

Those who were murdered or maimed in the London horror, and their families and loved ones, deserve nothing less.

History teaches us good will prevail: By Chesham and Amersham MP Cheryl Gillan

LIKE London, Chesham and Amersham are places where people from many backgrounds and walks of life live peacefully together. That is why last week's bombings were especially shocking, because our streets, schools and hospitals are examples of community life at its best. Many local people commute to London, or use the great railway stations in London on a regular basis for business trips or to visit friends.

Parliament, like so many other workplaces, was full of people checking on the safety of relatives and friends.

I was grateful as good news flowed in about so many, but could not help grieving for those for whom there would be no good news.

Every MP thinks about the dangers that can threaten democracy. We have a reminder every day we walk into the Chamber.

When the House of Commons was bombed during the Second World War, the old Chamber was destroyed. An arch of burned and blasted stones remained and this was incorporated when the Commons was rebuilt, to act as a permanent reminder of the conflict but, above all, to show that peace and democracy prevailed over the darkness. As yet, I do not know what kind of memorial there may be to those who perished at Aldgate, Edgware Road, King's Cross and Tavistock Square.

Whatever it is, I know that the community spirit of people who worked together in this disaster should be remembered and treasured.

Don't be divided : By Aylesbury MP David Lidington

I was appalled by the attack on London and have the utmost sympathy for the victims' families. I am grateful for the sterling work of the emergency services, whose speed and expertise doubtless saved many lives.

Here in Bucks, we must not let the terrorists succeed in driving a wedge between our different communities. Terrorists set out to sow fear and division. They thrive on tension, suspicion and hatred between men and women of different races and faiths. Within hours of the bombings, I received emails from Muslim constituents expressing their outrage at this savage and wanton attack. They are also fearful of a backlash against their community.

That is exactly what the terrorists aim to achieve and I hope that everyone, in Aylesbury and across the country, will unite to defy them. Each one of us, whatever our differences of politics or religion, shares a duty to defeat these forces of evil.