To change my xmas plans because of terrorist threat

[questabelletreetop]

We have afternoon tea booked in London tomorrow, I was planning on taking my two DC ages 12&4 with my sister. The plan is to do that then take the open top bus along Oxford Street to see the lights, ending in Trafalgar Square for carol singing.

My question is with such a huge terrorist risk in London this Christmas would you be taking your children, especially a four year old who can't run?
Is this a sensible thing to do?!

I'm sorry but what terrorist threat? I know there has been attacks but is there a current specific warning out? If not, I'd go about my business as usual.

Meh. If it happens it happens. Or we could all flee to the countryside but it might happen there too.

Just looked up the stats. You are more likely to be killed by hot water..
On average 7 people per year die from terrorism in the UK. There are thousands of people killed in road traffic accidents.

It's safer now than the 70s and 80s.

When did you book this OP? Or did someone book for you?? Are you a Russian troll sowing fear?

Is there something I don’t know about? Do I still have to go to work tomorrow? I’d rather not if you can give me an excuse not to go into London.

I think you would be completely OTT to cancel.

Is there something I don’t know about? Do I still have to go to work tomorrow?

Nothing on the BBC news site, sorry Nice.

To be honest it could happen anywhere busy now, I still get a small hint of fear when going into the local huge shopping centre with my smalls because it's an ideal target. So I understand! I'm also not London based and I think that city nonchalance is missing from those outside.

However statistically it's bollocks, that's how terror works, small acts = loud and noisy = disproportionate effects and fear.

That's why I still do a job that takes me on the tube twice a week, because I'm more likely to get wiped out by the 2 hour drive I do in the arse end of nowhere once a week!

Just go and try to relax.

There are over 8 million people who live in London not cowering in fear each time they step outside. In the nicest possible way, get a grip - and have a lovely day out :)

Statistically speaking, you're putting yourself in more danger if you stay home.

Go and enjoy yourself.

Dammit Empress I am tired and really really don’t want to go to work tomorrow!

Those being condescending regarding the threat - the uk is at severe www.mi5.gov.uk/threat-levels

The threat level is there, now specific intelligence on weirdos and losers looking to hurt people during the festive period obviously wouldn't be in the wider domain.

It won't stop people living their lives, nor should it. But if anxiety is going to upset your day and you feel unsafe that's a judgement call only you can make.

Nothing to do with terrorists, but I wouldn't be going near Oxford Street - far too much of a scrum. Where is afternoon tea? The lights will be lovely around Green Park/Mayfair without the need to set foot on Oxford St.
Please go - don't let your fear of terrorists ruin a good day out!

My DD aged 17 just went in to London for the day with her best friend to have a pootle, shop, have lunch and see Les Mis.
She was navigating trains, tube etc.
I would never want her to be afraid.
You never know where or when terrible things will happen and it can paralyse you if you think too much-you'll never do anything...
I also think we live (round the corner from the Queen) in an area that must be high threat-we can't stop living.
Or they win...

I would still go, OP. Honestly I would.

We took our 3 dc to the theatre in Covent Garden the weekend before last. I was vigilant, but honestly, it was not scary in the slightest. Just festive. We saw some sort of Santa party too

Ds went to London big concert, came home.
I really dont get all this omg its all so scarey stuff

I wouldn't go and take my DS there no way,if anything did happen you'd never get over it knowing you had such worries and went anyway.

Go and enjoy yourself. We've done 3 trips to London this month and I wouldn't consider rearranging or cancelling any of them. If you live your life in fear you'll never go anywhere or do anything.

I just went and looked on the BBC to see if I had missed something awful today (haven’t watched the news).

I don’t know have a clue what you’re worrying about to be honest that’s different from when you planned this! I work there, take my kids as normal.

We went with our two boys on Saturday. Went on the bus to see the lights, concert garden, Trafalgar square, the full tourist bit. It was great and they lived it. Go. Nothing has changed in the last few weeks risk wise.

Another Londoner who is perplexed about your thread?

Has the terror level been changed? Has something happened? Are you in the know about something Joe public isn't?

Finnbuktu might be right: there are so many other risks where the probability of an accident is much higher. It could well be there's a greater risk of coming down with appendicitis, who knows? I saw that "the Guardian" ran a couple of articles on the topic. If you feel very worried maybe you could choose to do something else but it has more to do with your anxiety over the situation an this anxiety spilling over on the dc, I think. Going somewhere with a parent who is immensely stressed out and anxious but trying to hide it, for right or wrong reasons, this can be very scary for a child. This is another viewpoint to consider. Going and seeing Christmas lights with mom and relatives can be very festive and fun, but only if mom is feeling confident and also is enjoying the situation.

You are probably in more danger driving on a busy motorway in the evening rush hour than you are from terrorist threat in London.

Yeah I'm quite confused too. Live in south west london and work in central, haven't heard anything about an increased risk (beyond the ordinary!) in months. You'll be fine, literally millions of us are in and around those areas daily.

It’s fine, look if anything did kick off the police would be there within 10 minutes. You can’t live your life in fear!

The lights on Regent Street are beautiful, they’re angels much nicer than Oxford Street, and Bond Street are beautiful too like peacock feathers. It is very busy, avoid Oxford Circus between 5:30-7pm, you’ll struggle to get the tube then as they normally close the station at some exits. Download Citymapper to help you get around quickly and enjoy it!