Dai Havard

Labour Party | Merthyr Tydfil & Rhymney

HAVARD IN THE HOUSE - ‘Terror and Courage!’

Four hundred years ago an attempt to spread terror by blowing up the UK Houses of Parliament with thirty six tons of explosive was narrowly avoided. The ‘Gunpowder Plot’ was stopped by intelligence, and whilst many of the methods used then would not be acceptable to us today, the incident has a particular resonance as MP’s debate modern day terror and how we should defend our communities. We also remember the fifty six who died in the London bombings in July and the many that were maimed and damaged. All of this is set against the natural disasters in Pakistan and South America and USA and our need to take heed of ‘Trade Justice’ and the need to ‘Make Poverty History’, without which we will only make our future morally poorer and never secure.

Sixty years ago we saw the end of WWII and efforts to re-build a shattered Europe. For the many who died and fought and all those who lived through it there must be an added sorrow when they see today’s terror but also pride in their contribution to our freedom. It is fitting that recognition is now being given to the contribution of all who were involved, directly and indirectly in the military at that time with the Veteran’s Badge. I know many have applied and hope all who are entitled will enquire and apply. The scheme to fund visits by Veterans to the places in which they fought has also been a great success and is being extended beyond this year. Many from our Valleys made a huge contribution to providing us with a safe environment and many take on these tasks today. As in the past we have to recognise the costs of not dealing with those who preach hate for its own sake and not tackling the issues of exclusion, oppression and often poverty, that can fuel fanaticism and hate. Careful judgment is required in making us safe whilst not damaging our own liberties but we owe it those who sacrificed for our tomorrow.