In a monologue on the BBC’s 'This Week' programme, which many have called ‘Churchillian’ in its delivery and potency, Neil launched a brutally scathing attack on Adrian Ajao, the Kent-born radicalised 52-year-old who unleashed an onslaught aimed at the heart of British democracy on Wednesday. Neil mocked the emergence of ‘Jihadi Johnnies’ and argued the threat pales in significance compared to the virtue of the British character, referencing the resolve displayed in fighting the Nazis during World War II which he called 'the greatest evil mankind has ever faced."

He also paid an emotional tribute to PC Keith Palmer who was standing guard at the gate when he was stabbed to death by the terrorist after mowing through dozens of innocent pedestrians, including tourists and schoolchildren, in an indiscriminate rampage across Westminster Bridge.

“Keith Palmer had been a copper for 15 years, and a husband, a dad...

a public servant.... Yesterday he was murdered defending our democracy, defending the very heart of our democracy from a barbarian at the gate."

Conservative MP Tobias Ellwood was, unfortunately unsuccessful in his attempts to administer life-saving first aid to Palmer and was photographed at the scene looking visibly dazed, with the fallen PC's blood smeared across his forehead. Ellwood has since been appointed to the Privy Council in recognition of his heroic actions.

Neil concluded, "But you cannot defeat us because for every brainwashed Islamist you send to harm us, we have thousands upon thousands of Keith Palmers...They are the British people and against them, you will never prevail.”

Time for reflection

In the aftermath of Wednesday's attack, questions have been raised about the level of security around Parliament as details emerged that the individual who eventually shot Masood dead was only in the vicinity by pure coincidence, as he was assigned to the personal security detail of Defense Secretary Michael Fallon.

Speaking on the 'Daily Politics' yesterday, shadow Foreign Secretary Emily Thornbury pointed out that to her the Houses of Parliament feels like a 'safe space' for both politicians and visitors, due to the large amount of security checks in place at all entrances akin to those at an airport. However, the fact that a killer got within 100 feet of ministers in the inner chamber is a chilling reminder about the danger of complacency.

It is now understood that ‘Masood’ (Ajao’s chosen Islamic name) worked alone when he planned the solo attack in Westminster, in which he killed 4 and injured 50. This is the primary reason that his activities were not flagged by intelligence agencies earlier because the greater the complexity of an illegal operation. the more opportunities authorities have to gain access.

Since 2013, there have been 13 terrorist plots successfully thwarted in the UK. This statistic is an important reminder that the majority of threats are countered.

Parliament on Thursday

In Parliament on Thursday, Prime Minister Theressa May reiterated the government's continuing commitment to increasing spending on counter-terrorism. The importance and complexity of the intelligence services, will not be a mystery to May, having served as Home Secretary for many years under her predecessor David Cameron.

There is currently debate about the role of encrypted messaging applications such as WhatsApp in this case, after it was revealed that Masood had used the messenger in the final hours before the attack.

The contents of this message are still unknown. Unlike phone-tapping, it is currently impossible for investigators to effectively intercept them. The Home Secretary Amber Rudd called the situation "completely unacceptable" and claimed such internet firms are giving terrorists "a place to hide".

The reflection will continue in the coming weeks, as government, and the nation as a whole comes to terms with the changing face of extremist terrorism in Europe.
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