WHEN British tourists die, we glimpse the despair which is a daily reality in many parts of the Middle East and Africa.

Those who died in Tunisia included John and Janet Stocker.

Nothing detracts from the anguish of their families here at home. The lives of traumatised survivors and bereaved relatives will never be the same again. Thankfully terrorist incidents affecting British people are unusual. We should not be afraid to travel abroad. We must not give in to fear.

In Kuwait 27 Muslim worshippers died and more than 200 were wounded as they prayed.

For them there is no escape from gunfire and regional instability. For them there is no flight home. The intractable problem is how to protect theright of peaceful Muslims to worship and stamp out distorted religious extremism that tries to legitimise mass murder.

Unfortunately armed terrorists will continue to recruit impressionable young people who feel out of place in Europe. Imams must be vigilant and look after their young people at mosques.

There is global concern about Islamic extremists who want to live in an Islamic state, a Caliphate. It is very clear that Britain is a more progressive place because it is multicultural.

British security services will always track possible extremists but should not over react and spy on innocent British residents. We must not become a surveillance society.

Parliament will decide if further powers are necessary to protect British residents. This must include freedom from observation.

  • Roz Scott is a freelance journalist based in Sussex