Manning the barricades, not hiding behind them

The series of terrorist attacks across the country seems to indicate a concerted attempt to undermine a new Prime Minister at a time of transition, a sign, perhaps, of the increasing sophistication of those who would provoke us into hasty reaction rather than measured response.

It would be very easy for Gordon Brown to announce sweeping measures to 'deal with the problem' and I am reassured that, thus far, he has not risen to the bait. He has, very sensibly, talked of vigilance, and support for the police and security forces, a stance that most of us, regardless of our political affiliation, can get behind.

And it is at times like this that liberals should be making the case for taking an outward looking position on how to deal with terrorists, not by repressing minority communities, nor stirring up fear amongst the population, but by properly debating how we as a community can address the issues that impact on terrorism and provide it with oxygen.

There is nothing wrong with ruthlessly hunting down terrorists and punishing them for their crimes, whilst considering whether a change of approach in our foreign policy might make friends and influence people more effectively than our current stance. Clearly, our involvement in Iraq has made the country less safe but how do the alternatives actually make us more secure, if indeed they do? A process of independent engagement in the Israel/Palestine conflict might give us broader credibility within the Muslim community, be it within the United Kingdom or around the globe.

However we proceed, liberals need to be at the forefront of the argument, making the case for internationalism, for a genuine British voice on issues of international importance, be that within a European framework or in concert with other allies, including the United States where agreement is to be found. Most of all, we need to frame the debate in such a way that the public feel that we reflect their concerns and their hopes, especially those of our new communities, who need convincing that they are part of the political debate.

I honestly believe if we do these things, and we make a positive case for a liberal foreign and security policy, the argument can be won, and a nation unencumbered by a repressive state can find its proper place in the international community.