Letter: Who will we be calling terrorist?

I SHARE Professor Gearty's concern regarding potential over-reaction after the recent bombings ("Don't let them blow away our liberties," 2 May). Immediate, panicked political reactions to "terrorism" can be counter- productive and often strike the wrong targets. I am particularly concerned about the implications for those involved in non-violent direct-action protests, especially environmental campaigners.

If current anti-terrorist legislation is widened, we risk branding many non-violent people as "terrorists'. This nation's police forces already have tremendous expertise and plenty of resources for the fight against "terrorism", residual from many years concern over the Irish "troubles".

NORMAN DANDY

Birmingham