I'm never slow to criticise the police or security forces when they do something wrong. So it's only right that this time I express my respect and gratitude to those who foiled the planned massacres in the sky. It appears to have been an excellent operation that proves the value above all of human intelligence (HUMINT).

I cannot even begin to understand the motives of the scum who planned this, nor find adequate words for my contempt. Not only were these bastards attempting to murder thousands of innocent people but they chose peak holiday season. Those planes would have been packed with families - not just men but also old people, children and women.

For those who attempted this massacre there can be no justification, no understanding, no forgiveness.

If I was given ten minutes alone with one of those behind this plot then I would quickly lose any veneer of civilisation and revert to being a very, very angry animal.

But we have to avoid that sort of reaction. That's what the terrorists want. They want us to over-react, both as individuals and as a society.

The biggest danger is a backlash against the Muslim community.

As an atheist I don't like Islam any more than any other religion. But this was not an "Islamic plot". Terrorism is an offence against Islam and those who planned it have no right to call themselves Muslims.

All true Muslims will condemn this murderous plot as will all other decent people. We must not let the terrorists turn us against each other.

Any anti-Muslim backlash would be a victory for the terrorists.