By Tim Murgatroyd

On Monday, May 22, an explosion occurred in Manchester that tore apart countless lives and families, including people from our own community. Much has been said and written about the personal effects of that tragedy, both in mainstream and social media, and I do not propose to add to it. Enough to say that anyone with the slightest empathy must glimpse the trauma and grief suffered by those involved while never really being able to comprehend its depth.

Of course, we have been here before. Terrorism in Europe and the UK is nothing new. From the Baader-Meinhof gang in Germany in the 1970s to Basque separatists; from the Republican and Loyalist terrorist organisations in Northern Ireland to the 7/7 bombers in London ten years ago.

All sought to use violence to circumvent the democratic process, often driven by deep grievances. But as the Good Friday Accord proved, better understandings can be reached.

The Manchester terror attack illustrated the clear conflict between those who seek peace and reconciliation through justice, negotiation and the ballot box – both in the UK and internationally – and those whose best argument for their cause is cruel, indiscriminate bombing.

Is it just me who believes passionately that we must not let the insane actions of a tiny group of fanatics hijack our democracy and compromise our way of life?

Sometimes a cool head is required even when the heart is hurting badly. Every day we learn more about individual tragedies arising from the Manchester attack and that can feel all important.

York Press:

RESPECTS: People look at floral tributes at Manchester Victoria railway station 

And, of course, it is hugely important. But strong leadership from our politicians means they must also stay focused on the bigger picture for the UK, both for today and for our collective future.

To me, not allowing the terrorists to win means defiantly asserting our best values as a society, especially continuing our crucial election debates about the issues confronting the UK.

Every party is seeking to convince us they have costed, viable, road-mapped solutions to make Britain a kinder, safer country. Indeed, it is their clear public duty to the people they wish to represent.

Let us not forget the terrorist attack did reveal something wonderful about the citizens of our country. The nurses and doctors who stepped up to the challenge of the victims’ horrific injuries have been an inspiration to us all. We have learned, yet again, just how precious the NHS is. How its network of Accident and Emergency Departments keeps us safe in numerous ways. How vital its counselling and mental health services will prove for those traumatised at what should have been a pleasurable concert.

One thing is clear: our nurses, paramedics and doctors, many of whom have come from all over the world to help us, deserve the very best resources available to keep our nation’s health secure. When we think of security we have also learned what a vital role the police play in keeping us safe. On the day of the attack they showed the highest professionalism and have done so since through their ongoing investigations. Like our NHS professionals, they need our full support in terms of resources at this time.

However, shortly after the Manchester attacks, the Police Federation stated the reason the army was required on our streets is because there are not enough frontline or community officers. Home Office statistics seem to support their statement, confirming that since 2010 we have 20,000 fewer police officers due to budget reductions. Our security is too big an issue for political point scoring. Nevertheless, simple common sense tells us that police numbers must be a vital factor in effective counter-terrorism.

Our best way to defy the hate-fuelled, undemocratic agenda of the terrorists is by bringing all faiths and communities together, young and old, so we can build a tolerant, prosperous and multicultural society. Above all, it is essential racists and bigots are not allowed to not use the atrocity to marginalise our Muslim friends, colleagues and neighbours.

As the inspirational people of Manchester spontaneously sang after their moving vigil for the victims: ‘Don’t look back in anger’. Instead, ‘Choose love’.