Are we using intelligent focus?

Threat of terror still lingers like a bad smell and continues to head the world's agenda. Apart from global warming, Al Qaeda are the number one threat facing the UK and the rest of the world. While global warming takes a back seat until someone can figure out how to extract carbon from the atmosphere - something Richard Branson is working on - MI6 officials have a most important job.

A latest scare in the form of explosive packages thrusts the terror back into public consciousness. Alarming is the fact that the explosive material is undetected, it is thanks to a Saudi tip -off that hinders the attack. Thankfully, this finding means security officials can revamp the checks on cargo planes and, therefore, be one step ahead of the terrorists.

Which really does beg the question of how to actually screen holiday-makers? In this politically correct society, we take it upon ourselves to subject everybody to remove their belts and shoes - to humiliate in the process. What is more important? To be politically correct or to use intelligent focus to defeat the terrorists? It is almost 10 years since 9/11 and the subsequent terrorist attacks and thwarted efforts. What is the one thing all these people have in common? They are all of a foreign, dark background.

So, with a clear, open and advantageous identifying factor, we continue to search white people, children, students and little old ladies. I am not a racist, but if I head MI6 defence I will stop and search the middle-eastern/Arabic fellow and not Tom, Dick or Harry.

Obviously, a few well-intentioned Muslims will feel their feathers have been ruffled yet - if they are not terrorists - they will get over it. The fact is, we know the type of people who plot these atrocities so checking the socks of someone's nana is not intelligent focus.