To consider cancelling London trip?

[Anxiousannie89]

It's DH's birthday this weekend and we had booked a trip to London to celebrate.

With what happened in Manchester, we both felt a little uneasy about going but were resolved to go and "get on with our lives" and enjoy the birthday trip. Now I see that the threat level has been raised to critical meaning a terror attack may be imminent and I'm starting to think the trip may not be a great idea.

I've always had quite high anxiety about terrorism so I can't figure out whether I'm being irrational. I should also point out we would be going with our 2 year old and I worry that I'm potentially putting him at risk. I can't figure out whether cancelling the trip is a sensible move in light of the fact we'd be travelling with our young son and the threat level is critical, or whether I would be acting a bit irrationally? DH is happy to go but equally if I said let's cancel, I don't think he would mind.

What would you do?

There definitely aren't many thousands who have been killed in terrorist incidents just in London over the last 47 years. That link is for the whole of the UK and in many cases it was a targeted attack (eg Airey Neave) or no one was injured.

Even if 1000 people had been killed or injured in terrroist attacks over the last 47 years, over 30,000 people were injured or killed in traffic incidents in London in 2015 alone, with 2000 of those being fatal or serious (136 fatal). No one is saying they're terrified of going to London because they might be knocked down by a taxi but it's much more likely.

many thousands who have been killed in terrorist incidents just in London over the last 47 years.

I didn't say that.

You said 'killed or injured' over the last few decades. I extended the last few decades to 1970 when that list began. Putting 'killed or injured' together like that, with 'killed' first tends to give a misleading impression, as there have of course been far fewer killed than injured. That's why I stressed that there certainly hadn't been that many killed.

Just to balance out the London thing, part of central Bristol is again evacuated this evening. And if Cabot Circus goes my family is fucked.

In March this year it was in the news that our city came within hours of having Broadmead blown up by a terrorist. Picture looked like the Galleries shopping centre. It would have been a huge incident.

London isn't the only place at risk. Practically anywhere in the UK is.

Putting 'killed or injured' together like that, with 'killed' first tends to give a misleading impression,

Bollocks, you are deliberately misquoting me.

In the past few decades there have been dozens of terrorist attacks in London, many thousands of people being killed or injured in that time.

Will you concede that what you wrote is utter bullshit? Because it clearly is. Many thousands have not been killed or injured by terrorism in London in the last few decades (unless you go back to the war, I suppose but that`s reaching).

Many thousands of women have been killed by partners and ex-partners in the UK over the last few decades. Everyone going to stop having relationships?

I don't think I'm misquoting you, am I? You said: many thousands of people being killed or injured in that time.

I said I thought that putting 'killed or injured' together like that tended to mislead, as 'killed' comes first and we don't know the percentage of deaths, serious injuries and minor injuries within that statistic. I don't think looking at the list that it even is 'many thousands'. Anyway, my interpretation may be wrong, but I've double checked and I didn't misquote you.

Do whatever feels comfortable for you , OP. We all have different anxiety and stress levels so if the planned trip stops being one of enjoyment and turns into an uncomfortable experience , why bother? This was meant to be a leisure experience , not a "proving those nutters won't win " exercise . Do what feels happy and comfortable for you - maybe book into.somewhere gorgeous and local instead where you could really relax and enjoy ?

I lived in Belfast in the 1980s and the threat of terrorism barely phased me, but I was young and invincible then! DH and I brought our three teens to London shortly after the Westminster attack. I was a little apprehensive (for them more than me) but once we were there, I forgot all about it and we had a great time.

Every day you live is a risk. Life is short and to be enjoyed.

'dozens of terrorists attacks in London' ' thousands killed and injured'???? Wow, that's certainly a good example of fake news.

OP. I understand how you feel and if you feel uneasy and won't enjoy your trip then don't come. It's understandable.

But as so many have said, London is a huge city and any attack, anywhere in the UK, is unpredictable. But London is open and we want you here. I had a half day from work today and met a friend for lunch in a pub by the river. We sat there in glorious sunshine watching the world go by. It felt good to be alive. I won't pretend I'm not occasionally apprehensive, but life is for living.

Toysaurus Agreed.

From Manchester and have been to the Manchester Arena. Now live in Bristol, and going to see Simple Minds on Monday, who played in Manchester the night after the bombing. We have to live our lives and carry on!

You could get hit by a car tomorrow but you wouldn't stop crossing the road......

Read this:

www.telegraph.co.uk/news/0/many-people-killed-terrorist-attacks-uk/

Obviously if even one person is murdered by a terrorist it is one too many.

But this article may help to reassure you to go ahead with your trip to London.

You are being irrational. That said, you should still do what you feel comfortable with.

Do whatever feels comfortable for you , OP. We all have different anxiety and stress levels so if the planned trip stops being one of enjoyment and turns into an uncomfortable experience , why bother? This was meant to be a leisure experience , not a "proving those nutters won't win " exercise . Do what feels happy and comfortable for you - maybe book into.somewhere gorgeous and local instead where you could really relax and enjoy ?

This fairly well sums up what I would advise also, OP.

It's easy for people to say that. Not so easy to do. Do what feels right for you. But by the same token it could just as easily happen close by as it could in London. These people seem to be choosing more random places. Go with your gut is my advice

For years now I've checked exits and made escape plans every time I've attended a large gathering, or even just gone to the cinema. I have OCD and am super paranoid though. Just to help put things into perspective, I'll post this graphic. It's hard to stay calm when the word terrorism is everywhere you look on the news and social media, but honestly, you are at no more risk now than you have been over the last few decades.

Some of the posters on here make it sound like being in London is a deathwish and those of us who choose to be here are pushing our luck.

Yes, 100% this. Exactly what I was trying to get across in my earlier post.

I think there is truth in the airline pilot statement as well. When you do something every day you realise the actual risk of anything bad happening is tiny even though you are indeed doing it everyday. Yet people who only do the same thing once a year might feel quite certain that their trip will be the one that is likely to end in disaster.

A friend commented this week that the media likes us to be as afraid as possible in the run up to an election so that we are scared into bothering to vote. I think she has a point.

Of course we shouldn't take leave of our senses and must be vigilant where needed but we can't put our life on hold over merciless acts we have to continue to enjoy our life as best we can and certainly not cancel holidays or trips away!

I have lived in not posh / dodgy areas of London and worked Central London , coming home late at night (shift work and leisure industry) for 35 years and have never even been mugged.

London is a friendly, sociable city.

Grimly, I suspect raised security in one setting (London / airports) just displaces the threat. A village cricket match may be no safer than a crowded stadium. Which of course dilutes the risk of each attendance across the entire country.

I don't know how IS can be stopped, here and in the countries they have hijacked. That is the main issue, not fretting about our individual infinitesimal risk.

Wise words - we are so used to the risk of driving we don't register it but it's the biggest risk

Common sense - the great oxymoron. Knowing where the exits are in a place isn't paranoia, it is basic sense. Although I've no interest in the big crowd events, i would. And I certainly check the fire exit when I stay in a hotel.

Plus wearing shoes you can move in when at a big event or in a crowd - again basic sense.

But if you are waiting for the terrorist threat to go away, you will be long dead. And that death is very unlikely to be due to terrorism.

Growing up worst of Belfast I check exits, sit facing door, if you see an unaccompanied bag I never assumed it was forgotten. Surprised cordon Parliament yesterday, crowd standing gawking at suspicious car, what if it was decoy for backpack bomber? If bomb scare don't stand by windows seek shelter in bricks/mortar. You are more likely to die of boredom sitting at home in a cocoon! London is heavily guarded at moment, meaning safer, use common sense.

Thanks everyone - we went and had a bloody good time.

That's great OP, glad to hear it.

I was on the Southbank on Friday. First saw three armed coppers wandering along then another two less than 5 minutes behind them. I found it quite exciting!