AFTER waiting a few days to assess fully the situation, Lancashire Association of Trades Union Councils wishes to condemn the use of terrorism of the kind which occurred in London last week.

We especially condemn this tactic because of its targeting of people generally and indiscriminately.

While noting that, as yet, no person or organisation has

claimed 'responsibility' for these outrages, we urge all those in positions of power and influence - including everyone in the trade union movement - to seriously address the root economic and social injustices which lie at the heart of the hatreds that led to the acts of July 7.

Since coming to power in 1997, the Blair government has continued to help lead imperialist acts of military aggression against several small nations using various increasingly spurious excuses but really with the main aim of consolidating the grip of international capitalism over the mineral and financial resources of the planet.

In this process, government has been assisted morally even by some who call themselves members of the trades union and socialist movement.

We further urge all workers to expose and oppose vigorously all attempts to blame whole communities, especially Muslims, in the emotional aftermath of the London events.

All elected officials of city and county councils are bound by law to undertake that all communities be protected from racial, religious, social, political and legal persecution.

We urge all trades unionists and those who support us to take this to heart and stand up for what is right.

Steve Metcalfe, President, LATUC, Lancaster.