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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Would you go to London

264 replies

limey234 · 14/10/2023 07:50

We have a tourist trip booked in half term. Lots of museums, the tube, shops, tourist destinations with our two kids (under 7).

Would you go? Given the situation in the world right now.

My husband barely watches or reads any news. He doesn't understand why I'm nervous.

I think we should postpone it. I'm a bit nervous of being caught up in a protest, or other activity.

OP posts:
Thread gallery
6
Zanatdy · 14/10/2023 08:38

limey234 · 14/10/2023 08:37

Thanks all.

One person with mild concerns too. Thanks @Zanatdy for not making me seem like a freak 🤣

I am a cautious person by nature. I think that is part of it.

The terror alert in France, the extra police, my Jewish friend in the USA telling me she needs armed guard just to worship

Not helping my worrying at all

The police don’t think it’s a concern to ignore either and will have much higher presence this weekend. Doesn’t mean an attack will happen but people need to be on their guard and aware there is a higher risk now than there was last weekend

SaracensMavericks · 14/10/2023 08:39

Yes I'd definitely go. The chances of you being involved in a terror attack are extremely low.

Inkpotlover · 14/10/2023 08:39

limey234 · 14/10/2023 08:37

Thanks all.

One person with mild concerns too. Thanks @Zanatdy for not making me seem like a freak 🤣

I am a cautious person by nature. I think that is part of it.

The terror alert in France, the extra police, my Jewish friend in the USA telling me she needs armed guard just to worship

Not helping my worrying at all

I'm even more convinced you shouldn't come after reading this. The manic busyness of central London during half term might freak you out even without all the other background stuff!

GreyhpundGirl · 14/10/2023 08:40

Yes. You can't stop living your life- we don't live in a war zone. London has been a target for terrorism for decades but the millions of people who live there just get on with their day to day lives. I'm planning a trip in January with my 3 year old to meet up with family.

Zanatdy · 14/10/2023 08:40

StoatofDisarray · 14/10/2023 08:17

This! Most of us who live here lead quite boring lives, just like people elsewhere in the UK.

Show quote history

Because if there’s going to be a terrorist attack in retaliation for support for Israel it’s going to happen in London, not Rotherham or some small town in the north. That’s why people are concerned about going to London when there’s an increased risk

Original poster
limey234 · 14/10/2023 08:42

Because the trip is a nice to have, and not needed, my argument to my husband is why put yourself at risk. Let's push back a few months

It's like eating out of date ham when a new pack is in the fridge (my husband always does this too). You'll probably be ok but why do it?!

OP posts:
StayorgoLDN · 14/10/2023 08:43

I’ve literally had the same thread as this

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/4918940-to-think-we-should-avoid-london-right-now?page=12&reply=129926701

We understand, even if there is a terror attack, that we’ll be unlikely to be harmed. However, was in London during a terror attack before, it was chaos, then when it calmed down we couldn’t do everything we wanted to and spent a fortune on taxis avoiding the tube.

We’re waiting to see how things pan out over the weekend.

Page 12 | To think we should avoid London right now? | Mumsnet

Due to visit London in the next few weeks. Anxious with Palestinian protests and so forth in the news. I don’t want to be near that with young child...

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/4918940-to-think-we-should-avoid-london-right-now?page=12&reply=129926701

Zanatdy · 14/10/2023 08:45

NOTANUM · 14/10/2023 08:38

So it’s been discussed at your work @Zanatdy

Is that MI5 or MI6? The Met? The Army?

Forgive me but if there were serious concerns from “the authorities” to the point that they were alerting your company and presumably others like it, it would a gross violation of their duty to protect 8 million Londoners who they are not alerting at all.

Not M15 but not far removed. There’s going to be protests in London for support of Israel, increased policing presence. No-one can say if there will be a terrorist attack or not but the risk is increased, which I’m sure anyone who watches the news and understand the situation will be aware of anyway. I’ve seen many people asking about travelling to London, so clearly people are concerned. Might be perfectly fine, but I’ll be avoiding London at half term if the situation is still the same.

Hiphopopotamonster · 14/10/2023 08:45

limey234 · 14/10/2023 08:42

Because the trip is a nice to have, and not needed, my argument to my husband is why put yourself at risk. Let's push back a few months

It's like eating out of date ham when a new pack is in the fridge (my husband always does this too). You'll probably be ok but why do it?!

But is that really how you want to live your whole life? Do you only do absolutely necessary car journeys so you’re not risking unnecessary accidents? Do you never push yourself out of your comfort zone at all?

NOTANUM · 14/10/2023 08:45

Derrick Bird killed many in sleepy Cumbria.

The Hungerford massacre was in a very quiet spot.

Bad things can happen anyhow. Life would be awful if you couldn’t live without fear.

Zanatdy · 14/10/2023 08:46

limey234 · 14/10/2023 08:42

Because the trip is a nice to have, and not needed, my argument to my husband is why put yourself at risk. Let's push back a few months

It's like eating out of date ham when a new pack is in the fridge (my husband always does this too). You'll probably be ok but why do it?!

Exactly, if you can push it back and enjoy it more in a few months then I’d do that. If you’re a natural worrier anyway it makes sense to do that. Don’t listen to people trying to make you into some neurotic freak for worrying unnecessarily.

EatYourVegetables · 14/10/2023 08:47

Honestly, this “something bad is happening far away but I am spending hours ruminating about how it will affect my own arse which is in a safe place” is incredibly callous.

Yes, you can die in London. You can get hit by a bus, or mugged, or have a fall in the shower. You can also do that in your own sheltered bit of the world.

So go or don’t go, but don’t blame people dying very far away for your completely unwarranted anxiety.

ilovesooty · 14/10/2023 08:49

I've got a trip to London planned during half term and not going hadn't even crossed my mind.

Original poster
limey234 · 14/10/2023 08:50

You must be right @EatYourVegetables you should go tell the met police that too... they can stand down the extra officers, you know best

OP posts:
ReservationDeclined · 14/10/2023 08:51

I am in London all the time and it’s not A Thing. As pp said there is always something so you kind of become inured to it.

But if you wouldn’t enjoy it and it’s a treat there’s no point going.

Globe22 · 14/10/2023 08:52

I live with my family in London and it’s where I work. Millions of people going about our daily lives. Central London is as safe as anywhere can be.

feralunderclass · 14/10/2023 08:52

OP it's not the case that London is suddenly at risk from a terror attack and won't be next month or year. It is deemed SUBSTANTIAL now, which is lower than last year. Upon fact checking this I discovered Northern Ireland actually has a higher risk, it is deemed SEVERE.

sashagabadon · 14/10/2023 08:52

You can walk through central london and see multiple protests, it’s the norm unfortunately. On one memorable day during lockdown I got caught up in 6!
but you just walk along and there’s plenty of places with nothing happening other than tourists.

Lovelyautumncolours · 14/10/2023 08:53

I was in Covent garden yesterday. The area was buzzing as usual, street entertainers, shoppers, people eating and drinking. Basically everyone going about their business, no difference yesterday than last week or last year.

If it helps you I would look up if there are any protests planned in central London and avoid those but otherwise have a lovely time - London is great during the Oct half-term with lots going on for kids some of which will be Halloween based so lots of fun!

StayorgoLDN · 14/10/2023 08:57

GreyhpundGirl · 14/10/2023 08:40

Yes. You can't stop living your life- we don't live in a war zone. London has been a target for terrorism for decades but the millions of people who live there just get on with their day to day lives. I'm planning a trip in January with my 3 year old to meet up with family.

@GreyhpundGirl

A trip in January vs now is a completely different thing.

Right now circa 2000 Palestinians have been killed by Israel, 400,000 displaced and potentially a few 100,000 more likely to be killed/starved to death or displaced in the next few weeks.

The anger is very fresh about this and there has been a call to arms as well as a major planned protest March through London today.

Sunak has openly supported Israel and sent Naval ships, spy planes and military personnel there…. This makes the U.K. a target. Not just Jews.

Tempnamechng · 14/10/2023 08:58

I would still go. I'm from a semi rural northern suburb, and am planning to go to London again in a couple of weeks. Avoid protests outside embassies and you'll be fine. Just take the normal precautions you would when visiting a town or city - well lit areas at night, keeping your purse safe and your family close by etc.

fioritura · 14/10/2023 08:59

Don’t wait for half term, head in today for the march. Future generations will ask what action you took during the Israeli genocide of Palestinian people - make sure you have an answer!

We can’t let this become another atrocity where people look back and ask “how did they get away with that?”

SallyWD · 14/10/2023 08:59

Yes of course. I might avoid Gaza at the moment but London is fine.

fyn · 14/10/2023 09:01

I think people are being naive, Hamas have called for attacks on Britain.

DH works in a job that deals with this type of thing and I am going to London today. He’s run through what I should do in case of an attack.

Evaka · 14/10/2023 09:02

I live in London OP and work near touristy Central London. It's such a busy and hectic place which I thrive on but I've seen friends totally overwhelmed when they visit. You sound very anxious and I honestly think you wouldn't enjoy the city even without a heightened likelihood of protests etc.

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