DRUMMER Lee Rigby was brutally murdered in broad daylight simply for being a soldier. He had fought for his country in Afghanistan and Iraq and we are indebted to him.

So, having risked life and limb in far off lands, the nature of his death, only yards from his barracks in Woolwich, is profoundly shocking.

So, too, are the editorial decisions of some of our broadcasters who gave air-time to the preachers of hate who inspired Drummer Rigby’s killers. Anjem Choudhary and his ilk represent a warped interpretation of Islam that, thankfully, very few agree with.

However, it is incidents like this that fan the flames of prejudice and intolerance.

We will, sadly, never stop the determined terrorist, whatever their motivation, but we can toughen our stance.

For example, let’s end the human rights’ farce, deport those who would do us harm back to the countries where they came from and redefine the old treason laws to meet today’s threats. I am not promoting the re-introduction of capital punishment, but a new sentencing regime for those who murder public servants, like soldiers and police officers. Life should mean life for those who cross the line.

On a positive note, so many people tried to donate to the Help For Heroes charity following the murder that the website crashed. And I was delighted to read that a decision to prevent service men and women wearing uniform in public was overturned.

We must never retreat in the face of an onslaught, but counter attack with unity and purpose. Above all, we must send a message to a minority in our midst that the jihadist’s medieval attitudes have no place here. My final thoughts are for Drummer Rigby. We shall not forget him.