Met Police Chief Sir Ian Blair acknowledged that "somebody else could be shot" as the hunt for would-be suicide bombers continued. But the shoot-to-kill policy for dealing with suspected suicide bombers will remain in place.

The police have urged the public to be aware of anyone suspicious but have stressed that no section of society should be singled out.

Are you a young Muslim? Have you noticed people looking at you suspiciously? Have you changed the way you go about your daily business? How can we avoid becoming victims of mistaken identity?

This debate is now closed. Read a selection of your comments below.

The following comments reflect the balance of opinion we have received so far:

Having grown up in Belfast, I know the value of 'something being seen to be done'. Less than zero. It tells the terrorists they are winning. It means you can't take your bag on the tube.
Conor, Nottingham

I am a Muslim Arab woman who wears a scarf. I was born and bred in the UK and for the first time in my life, I feel very paranoid when I'm walking down the street or going to the airport, as unfortunately I fly a lot. I strongly condemn the attacks that happened in London, but it makes me think about why they happened in the first place, Muslims around the world aren't exactly living the 'American dream'.
Salam, Manchester, UK

We need to have more compassion for the Muslim community in the UK and abroad. We need to be more understanding of their culture and more sympathetic to their needs. Increased policing may now be essential but eventually will only lead to increased alienation and an increased likelihood that more will be pushed towards extremism. We need to be clever about building better relationships with the Muslim community and establishing trust so that the terrorists have nowhere to hide.
Annabelle, Netherlands

The police have a job to do in order to keep us all safe! Reza Mirza, London, England

Unfortunately the longer these attacks go on the longer decent, hard working and honest Muslim men (18-35yrs) will be suspected. I am an Asian Muslim (31), born and bred in England. I'm not complaining about being stopped and searched, I positively encourage it! The police have a job to do in order to keep us all safe!
Reza Mirza, London, England

I have wonderful British Muslim friends who are of Asian descent, they acknowledge that what's needed is for more integration to take place. It doesn't help when whole areas of towns and cities being taken over by one community. Do we see whole streets exclusively being inhabited by Catholics for instance-integrate give every one a chance to know every one else
Gary Johnson, Kendal, Cumbria

I am a Sikh male, I have brown skin and have a beard. Reading some of these comments reminds me of how I felt travelling to the US a week after 9/11. At one point on the outboard flight when I went to get a book out of my hand luggage, I had at least 10 people staring at me obviously looking very nervous. My comment to all innocent Asians travelling on the underground is don't let it get to you. If people want to stare, let them, just smile back.
H. Singh, Maidenhead

The damage being done to the Western economy by terrorist attacks doesn't compare to the damage being done to the Muslim community itself. It seems that these extremists are forcing their own kind to be humiliated, ostracised and branded as sharing the same lack of values as themselves.
AN, Brighton and Hove, East Sussex

We don't turn on all football fans because of the riots and injuries caused by football hooligans M Osborne, Leeds

We should not verbally abuse and harass our Muslims. We don't turn on all football fans because of the riots and injuries caused by football hooligans. As a nation we are better than this. Invite your Muslim neighbour round for a cup of tea. Give them a chance to know the good in us too. But please don't punish them for the sins of a few.
M Osborne, Leeds

I have many Muslim friends and I know that most Muslims are not terrorists, but at the moment, most terrorists are Muslims (although they have no real Muslim values). Muslims are bound to be searched more than non-Muslims, because if we searched the non-Muslims we would be looking in completely the wrong place.
Tim Hunt (16), Plymouth

As an Asian non-Muslim I am subject to the same prejudices and scrutiny as those faced by the Muslims. I resent the fact that this is because of a minority that has been pandered to for too long and continue to expect and demand special treatment while people like me have to bear the brunt of it for no other reason other than the name and tone of my skin!
Jay Sadanand, London

I know a few Asian Muslims and they are the nicest of people, but unfortunately because of the evil, ugly doings of a few, the innocent are going to get the backlash. The Asian community has got to pull together with everyone else and root these evil people out by helping the police and by co-operating with them, they are trying to protect us as a whole.
Christine, South Yorkshire

They are just as much targets as anyone else Peter Fleming, Thornton, NSW, Australia

Don't blame the entire Muslim community for the actions of the very small number who have been corrupted by al-Qaeda's lies. Remember they are just as much targets as anyone else. Plus they also have the added fear of a backlash against them.
Peter Fleming, Thornton, NSW, Australia

It is both refreshing and pleasing to hear so many Muslims declare on this page that they fully support the police and a stop and search policy. They realise, as should everybody else, that this is not an infringement of human rights of the innocent, but rather a way of protecting them. I hope that this attitude is taken by the whole country now, in spite of the absurd reaction to the Stockwell shooting.
Peter, London

It might be a good opportunity for some enterprising manufacturer to start making rucksacks out of stout see-through material. That way students carrying books and laptops would not arouse such fear!
Elizabeth G, Manchester

How heartening it is to hear so many British Muslims telling how they would welcome being stopped and searched. It represents the fact that the vast majority of the Muslim community are law abiding and as outraged by these terrorists as everyone else. The moral is co-operate and help the police, use common sense and we'll avoid future tragedies.
Grant, London

Of course Muslims are under more scrutiny! My husband is a non-practising Muslim legal immigrant with a 'Muslim' name. He welcomes the stop and search. He has no problem with being stopped and we both would be very much afraid if we thought the police were reluctant to stop him for fear of offending him.
Christine Hitt, London

I hope that people will realise that we are as afraid as everyone else Laila, Cardiff, South Wales

I am a white, British born convert. My husband is Asian. I am constantly afraid for his safety when he is outside the house. I feel that we are looked at differently since the terrible events of this last month. My friend was actually spat at on a train last week. We all feel that we are suspected of being extremists and terrorists. I hope that people will realise that we are as afraid as everyone else.
Laila, Cardiff, South Wales

I wear a headscarf, but wear mostly Western clothing ie skirts and funky colours. I was verbally abused only this weekend by a girl my own age with threats to rip my scarf off! I too have been born and bred in the UK. I have noticed the prolonged stares and visible worry in people's eyes because of the fear, which I too feel. I too am concerned to use public transport, but hope people will not tar me and all the other law abiding Muslims with the same brush.
RS, Essex

During the years when IRA bombings were at their height, you were more likely to be stopped in London if you were white and driving an unmarked van of any description. If you had an Irish accent it was asking for trouble. And yet I don't recall the Irish or other 'white communities' whingeing about being stopped like the Asian communities are at the moment.
Guy, Slough UK

A young Asian guy with a big rucksack got on my tube the other day and spent the whole of the journey looking uncomfortable and nervous. Poor guy! This is a time when we should all stick together. Please don't ostracise people on your train just because they're young male and Muslim.
Liz, London

Loss of dignity is better than losing your life Anjali, Bucks

Just drop to the floor with your arms outspread. Loss of dignity is better than losing your life. A suicide bomber doesn't give you the choice.
Anjali, Bucks

As a Muslim, I give my full backing to all police officers to search me and my bags. As Muslims we are commanded by God to respect the law of the land. Good luck to the British police, I hope they put an end to all of this.
Ali Khan, Reading

Common sense would suggest it would be wise for young men who fit the current terrorist profile to avoid carrying large bags or rucksacks on the tube.
David, London

I think it is unfair to suggest that all terrorists currently appear to be Muslims so we should merely suspect all Muslims. Firstly, what does a Muslim look like? Secondly, why do we not suspect all Irish people of having links to the IRA? The answer to the second one, is because we know they are not and we should afford British Muslims the same courtesy.
George, Reading

The only reason to fear the police is if you have got something to hide Rob Moore, East Sussex

I have been stopped and had my sports bag searched by the police. At the time they were looking for burglars, and I was more than happy to assist them. At no time did I feel that my 'civil liberties' were being infringed. The only reason to fear the police is if you have got something to hide.
Rob Moore, East Sussex

I am a white, English Muslim. I don't have any qualms with the police searching my bags etc. What I do have a problem with are the bigoted ignoramuses who use these atrocities to harass people who look different. I've been told to go back to my own country by a man with a Scottish accent. Erm�I am English, my roots are here. I am proud to be a British Muslim.
Mary Winter, London

I was in London on Friday travelling on the Victoria Line, when a young man who appeared to be of Asian decent got on the tube, with a very large rucksack. He was also wearing a big baggy jacket which, according to the media, we should keep an eye out for. People started to move away and as they did the young man in question started looking more and more agitated. I got off at Green Park and took no hesitation in approaching police, who thanked me and assured me that it would be followed up with immediate action. Do I feel any form of guilt about this? No. It was a case of ten minutes of slight inconvenience for the young man, against the possibility of numerous people losing their lives.
NL, Bristol

My Asian Muslim friend was beaten to a pulp in broad daylight in Bristol the day after the bombings, leaving him unconscious with broken limbs and a ruptured kidney. The police in Bristol have to date refused to even take a statement, telling his family "it's not the right time to be making complaints like this." So much for protecting all sections of the community.
Abdul Haq, London

I am happy the police are more vigilant Saleem Khan, Bradford, West Yorkshire

I am a British Asian who is Muslim. I am happy the police are more vigilant. I have nothing to hide and would not run if the police asked me to stop. I feel safer with more police on the streets. I know Muslims feel the light is on us, but we have to be open and root out this evil that kills innocent people.
Saleem Khan, Bradford, West Yorkshire

During the IRA bombings a few years back, I got used to being stopped almost every time I went into London. Being part-Irish did I feel victimised? No I did not. I was happy to co-operate and felt safer for it.
Baz, London

Last Thursday, as soon I got on the tube, I noticed people looked at my face with suspicion. I was also carrying a bag with a laptop. I was so scared of battery wires of the laptop coming out of the bag. I am still nervous and confused. What type of bag should I carry?
Ricky, Hounslow, Middlesex

If someone is approached by the police, they simply have to comply - no-one's going to get shot for doing this. The man arrested outside No 10 did as he was asked and went on his way. This kind of paranoia is ridiculous - let's deal with the far more realistic threat which we ALL face, that of being blown up on the way to work.
Sue Lee, London

It must be recognised that whilst not all Muslims are terrorists, all current terrorists do appear to be Muslims. All Muslims are therefore logically suspect, and that's just the way it is.
Tony Yates, Aberdeen, Scotland

I'm at risk from terrorists and now from mistaken identity from the police too Nadeem Shaikh, London

As a young Asian Muslim male with a beard I feel quite worried about going on the tube because I fear someone else may panic and think I'm a danger. I've been warned by everyone not to take a rucksack in case I get shot by the police! I'm at risk from terrorists and now from mistaken identity from the police too.
Nadeem Shaikh, London

The Muslim community and its leaders have demonstrated an uncanny knack for using all situations to bolster their status and importance - I believe that the 'victimisation' of dark skinned Muslims might have something to do with the fact that East Africans and Pakistanis are blowing themselves and innocents up.
Christian Ball, London

It's not just Muslims who are under suspicion. I am a 33 year old white British female. On Saturday I was browsing in my local record shop with a bottle in my hand which I took sips of and put back in my bag on a few occasions. Totally oblivious to the fact the security guard was following me and watching me. He made a comment "Madam there's no drinking or eating in here," to which I apologised and promptly put the drink back in my bag. Then he came out with the most ridiculous comment. "With all that's going on in London and you opening and closing your bag it made me nervous!" I was totally staggered.
Lisa, Northwich

As a Muslim I can feel the suspicion of people but I just have to ignore it. I don't blame ordinary people for such behaviour. If I am travelling I have more fear of a terrorist than a policeman shooting at me. I will avoid the tube not because of people's suspicion but because of a real danger of being blown up by a lunatic.
Abdessalem Bouferrouk, Southampton

I have been avoiding public transport as much as I can to keep myself safe from the backlash KZ, Scotland

I am a British Muslim, I have been avoiding public transport as much as I can to keep myself safe from the backlash. I am sick of the verbal abuse. It is unfair to lump us all in one group. So let it be known - I carry my work laptop in my heavy rucksack and nothing else!
KZ, Scotland

I say stand up, be proud, and express your Islamic identity more. When stopped by police, don't run, be polite and be co-operative. If you are innocent and nothing to hide then you will be on your way.
MD, London

I'm neither young nor a Muslim, but I am as dark skinned as the Brazilian recently shot dead on the tube. Personally, I would rather people looked at me suspiciously than ignore their fellow travellers. And if young Muslims are weary of travelling by tube, how do you think everyone else feels?
Neil, London

I am sorry Matt from Sheffield, but the so called Muslim community is as diverse as the world's population. With Pakistani, Bengali, Arab, Turk, American, Chinese, English and so forth. You are wrong to say they know who the extremists are. Terrorists go about their business as normal people, and even their parents do not know what they are up to.
YK, UK

My boyfriend, who is Bangladeshi, heard a man saying to him "Thanks for not blowing us up," when getting off the bus in North London. He feels very uncomfortable using the public transport now, and I am afraid something worst might happen to him besides a rude comment.
Pola, London

I regularly get people looking at me suspiciously but I just ignore it Nassir Ahmed, Coventry

As a Muslim working in Birmingham I regularly get people looking at me suspiciously but I just ignore it. The more worrying fact it that people refuse to talk or sit next to someone who they think fits the profile, being dark skinned and carrying a rucksack. This attitude only bolsters the alienation that the Muslim community feels at this moment in time from the rest of the UK community.
Nassir Ahmed, Coventry

As a Sikh we get just as much slack as Muslims do over this, but why does no one seem to care?
Naminder Singh, Glasgow, Scotland

There are a high percentage of Muslims, including extremists, who look white. I was born of English non-Muslim parents but converted to Islam and took an Arabic name. Returning from Lebanon (post-the bombs) I was unchallenged entering the country. They didn't even glance at my passport. Yet the Asian non-Muslim following me was closely examined. Why do the police and authorities still discriminate against those who look like a 'media interpretation' of a particular group?
Amer Salman, Bristol

In relation to the comment that some Muslims are afraid to use the tube, all I can say is 'join the club'.
Angus Swan, London

If the Muslim community feel under suspicion then the only people to blame are the people of their own faith who carried out the attacks in the name of Islam. Whilst understanding that the huge majority of British Muslims and Muslims worldwide are peace loving people, it is perfectly natural for the public to feel this way. The Muslim community know who these extremists are and can help themselves by exposing them with more vigour.
Matt, Sheffield

To combat this terror we will lose our civil liberties for a while Tareq, London

As a young Arab, I wish I was being stopped and searched by the police on my recent journeys with bags on the transport system in London. To combat this terror we will lose our civil liberties for a while.
Tareq, London

What a ridiculous PC statement from Sir Ian Blair, that no section of society should be singled out. Of course this will happen if Muslim communities continue to harbour suicide bombers. How can these four men still be on the run after having their photos plastered all over the media unless someone is hiding them?
Mark, Lausanne, Switzerland

We've seen people of Pakistani and Afro-Caribbean origin blow and attempt to blow people up. We're told to be vigilant. Erm, the only way to be vigilant is to look at people.
Lee, Hebburn, England

I take umbrage to the comment "I'm more concerned about trigger-happy plain-clothes policemen than fundamentalist criminals on suicide missions." I'm sorry, but more people have lost their lives from suicide bombers in London than "trigger-happy plain-clothes policemen." We must protect the whole community, not a small proportion of it.
Simon, London

As a rucksack-carrying, white, female Londoner commuting on public transport I too get nervous looks from those around me! The difference is that I'm perfectly happy to be stopped and searched by the police.
HG, London

There are probably white converts to extremist Islam in the UK Clare, Paris

The Islamic community is not a racial group. There are probably white converts to extremist Islam in the UK. Therefore, it is important for the police, and everybody else, to keep an open mind when trying to prevent further terrorist attacks or find those responsible for the ones already carried out.
Clare, Paris

I live and work as a professional in London, am Pakistani and have lived most of my life in Leeds. Right now, on a day-to-day basis, I'm more concerned about trigger-happy plain-clothes policemen than fundamentalist criminals on suicide missions. The police really need to reassure the community, and not become the sources of terror that they are themselves trying to catch.
AR, London

Of course people are going to react differently to those who look stereotypically Muslim. I do not condone any actions against those who are innocent, but you have to understand that people are in fear of their lives for something they have no control over.
NS, Dorset

The chance of someone with dark skin being mistakenly shot by the police is much lower than the chance of being blown up by terrorists if you travel on the tube. And the chance of being blown up if you travel on the tube is much lower than the chance of being killed in a car accident if you travel by car. Let's just get on with our lives, whatever the colour of our skin, and try to keep things in perspective.
Martin Dean, London

I am an Indian and I can feel the pain of fellow Asians who feel threatened at being labelled terrorists, or afraid of being shot. Well, hear this from someone who was at the Liverpool street station 10 minutes before the blast - I am not afraid and I don't feel discriminated against.
Kanak Gupta, London

We have every right to be suspicious of any person who looks like the image portrayed of a suicide bomber Mark, Kent

Unfortunately we are at war with a group of extremists who hide behind the Muslim faith and use it as their excuse to bomb our people. In the real world we have every right to be suspicious of any person who looks like the image portrayed of a suicide bomber.
Mark, Kent

The fact of the matter is that this point in time Muslims are the only people carrying out terrorist acts against the general population of this country.
Kevin, Leicester

It's impossible for Muslims to not come under scrutiny for the recent attacks - how many non-Muslims have been involved in suicide attacks? Terrorists are doing more harm to their own community than anything else.
Ian, Nottingham

The police have an impossible task. How can they hope to keep us safe and pander to all the whimpering from sections of the community who have failed to control the very elements who now threaten us all? I would prefer the risk of being shot for ignoring police warnings than being blown up by cowardly terrorists.
Steve Reid, York

If the Islamic community feels under unusual scrutiny it is because they are under unusual scrutiny Martin Smith, London

It is all very well for Ian Blair to say that no section of society should be singled out for suspicion but, under the current situation where so-called Islamists are intent on committing indiscriminate mass murder, it is no good looking at the Irish, West Indian, Nigerian, Chinese or Greek communities any more than it is worth bothering with members of the Rotary Club in Little Baddow. If the Islamic community feels under unusual scrutiny it is because they are under unusual scrutiny.
Martin Smith, London

To avoid becoming a victim of mistaken identity, simply obey the security forces instructions and cooperate. They are protecting you the public, Muslim or not. I don't understand why Muslims feel threatened and singled out because Muslims were also killed on 7/7. Colour does not show religious persuasion.
Darren, Basingstoke

The more police I see on the street, the safer I feel. I have no problem being searched, having my bags x-rayed, showing an ID card, or anything else that apparently digs away at my civil liberties. If you've got nothing to hide, then why would you be bothered by any of the above?
DS, London

What people have to realise is that Muslims are not specifically of Asian decent, so whilst I'm being given the occasional 'dirty look' on the underground, the next potential bomber could be a black or white fella.
Imran, London

Everyone with darker skin will be under suspicion Emma Norris, UK

Everyone with darker skin will be under suspicion - even Muslims will be suspicious of other people.
Insbal, Sheffield

Muslims are complaining they are 'under suspicion'. What do you honestly expect? These terrorists were born and bred in this country, they were seemingly upstanding members of the community. The shooting last week was an error, but it's not as if the armed police will be shooting people just because they appear young and Asian.
Emma Norris, UK

I went to the post office with a large parcel this morning and I could see people watching me even as I walked down the street, and I'm not even Asian! If the police had challenged me, I would of course have co-operated fully so that my innocence is established quickly. I certainly wouldn't run away!
David, Bristol

It's ok for Sir Ian Blair to suggest that no section of society should be singled out. What a ridiculous comment. It's extremist Muslims who are carrying out these suicide bombing attacks, and unfortunately these people tend to be ethnic in appearance. Am I to ignore the Middle Eastern man on the corner, with a baseball cap pulled over his eyes, who is carrying a rucksack?
Dave Winder, Rochdale

Every Muslim must realise that suspicion is normal. We do not know who we can trust or what is in your bag. The terrorist has won to a point. The way we can move forward is to regain the trust.
Wayne Fitzharris, Bermondsey

That's what happens when idiots from one's community go on the rampage and the police have to act Trevor, London

I was born in Northern Ireland and have experienced suspicion on many occasions, even to the extent of being arrested as I was on a hike which took me past MOD property; I think I was in possession of an offensive accent or something. On no occasion was I in danger, I identified myself, stated my business and was released. At no time was I threatened, I felt a bit humiliated perhaps, inconvenienced certainly and a bit cheesed off, but that's what happens when idiots from one's community go on the rampage and the police have to act.
Trevor, London

It seems like London's Muslims are doubly challenged - we certainly fear another terrorist attack and as a Muslim we are learning to fear the police too.
Shahbaz, London

I noticed, on travelling very early this morning, that the proportion of non-white travellers on the Tube was far less than usual - I would say about a quarter of normal - which was deplorable but no surprise.
Alastair Scott, Brixton, London

What about the other visible minorities in London? From what I am aware, just as many Sikh places of worship have been targeted as Muslim mosques.
Manmeet, London

I, as a Muslim, feel really threatened by the backlash Abid Khan, Manchester, UK

I, as a Muslim, feel really threatened by the backlash, not from the common people but the policies that will take place in the near future. The reason for me being a threat is that I am a law abiding citizen but practice my religion and am very active in my community in bringing about peace. How do I know I won't just be picked up and labelled as a terrorist?
Abid Khan, Manchester, UK

I do not live in London, but my heart goes out to the security guards over there. These terrorists are obviously trying to make their message clear, even though I still do not see it. Killing people is going to make their whole purpose more respectful? These suicide bombers need to come up with different ways to express themselves. I really wish they would stop taking the lives of innocent people. It is not London's security at fault, they can only stay a 100% on guard for only so long.
Nisha Patel, Passaic, New Jersey in United States

Do people in London live in fear? Yes! No matter what religion they are, they still live in fear something might happen again. Honestly I think they should have people checking the passengers on the buses, trains, the Tube and the airports even though that means spending a lot more money on it. People are worth it. The only time the security at the airport was on highest level was after 9/11. At other times, they don't even check the people. That has to change.
EZ, London

I am a Brazilian British citizen and feel very sorry for the tragic death. However, based upon the news updates, the question that still needs to be answered is why did he run away, knowing the country's current situation? Under the circumstances the police in my view had no options and acted in their and the public interest's safety. Terrorists don't give warnings and this person in particular had the change to stop when challenged! I and my family fully support the police action as unfortunate as it was.
Sonia, New Malden, Surrey

We should speak to each other, create a transport community AD, Switzerland

On all public transport, especially rail transport the British tend to hide behind their newspapers, avoiding eye contact and any type of conversation. It is our responsibility and duty to look out for ourselves and one another. We should speak to each other, create a transport community, if anything unusual happens it is better to check it out with someone you know and travel with frequently. It will create confidence and security. Also, more plain clothed policeman and uniformed police officers with dogs should travel on all public transport.
AD, Switzerland

The police would have been in major trouble if the shot man had been a suicide bomber and had managed to set off a device. They acted in good faith with a split second decision. Don't expect the police to be mind readers and if you want them to shoot a suicide bomber to prevent the bomb being detonated then don't put them under fear of prosecution unless what they did was clearly outside their rules of engagement. Don't spend days analysing a split second decision. If I am told to stop by armed police I would freeze on the spot.
Mike, Plymouth, Devon

Well, it seems that the terrorists have achieved their aims on one level - people have begun to seriously mistrust and suspect each other. We move away from anyone who has just been to the gym, have become paranoid about the behaviour of any likely looking geezer, have started to request draconian security measures. This is a psychological war as much as anything and it looks like the terrorists are winning. You can all choose whether you want to be part of this collective paranoia, or not. I choose not.
Bridget, London

Considering the volumes of people in the ticket halls of Underground stations at peak times, further delaying passengers in these areas with searches would only make them a more attractive target for bombers. Moving the devastation from the trains to the stations would be of no benefit whatsoever.
Vic, London, England

I am sick with worry for my son who lives and works in London during the week. It infuriates me when the Queen and Tony Blair witter on about 'carrying on as usual' and 'not letting these events change our lives'. Neither she nor he ever has to enter a building or get into a vehicle that has not been thoroughly checked out beforehand by large numbers of security personnel. Ordinary people, like my son and hundreds of thousands of others, do not have the luxury of this reassurance.
Lin, UK

More police presence and CCTV footage is of paramount importance. People need reassurance that everything is being done to prevent any further attempts to murder innocent people. The use of firearms should be the last resort. Instead use tranquiliser guns and bring them before the judicial system for a fair trial and appropriate sentencing.
Elaine, Basildon

People used to scoff at the idea of New York style Guardian Angels operating on the London Underground. Maybe it's time to look at introducing a similar organisation created from members of the public working directly with London Transport Police.
Mark Hannam, Aberdeen

I cannot believe the only reason random searches are not taking place on the tubes is because it will delay passengers by 30 minutes. Then so be it, if this is what it takes to thwart yet more atrocities. I think most people would be happy to see this kind of security checks in place not just in London but the entire UK.
Gary Stevens, Darlaston West Midlands

The only workable solution is increased vigilance by the public Roger, London

Do any of the people suggesting time-consuming increased security measures on the tube actually use it during rush hour? The only workable solution is increased vigilance by the public.
Roger, London

I think the transport service workers, medical workers and other workers who helped during this ordeal seriously deserve a pay raise. We should reward their bravery and hard work.
Barbara, London

My husband is an English ex-pat who used to work in London. He proposed marriage to me at a B&B in London. We both love the place and while it is sad to see the turn of events there, we would, could we afford it, holiday there tomorrow! There is no scaring us away as visitors. Would we mind additional security measures such as checking bags? Not at all. It only adds a few seconds to your destination if you are organised and ready for an inspection at any given moment.
Diana, Akron, Ohio, USA

This year I have planned my vacations for August. I want to go for a few days in London. These assassins will not make me desist from my idea. We all are Londoners.
Carmen, Seville, Spain

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all W. Lansberry, San Francisco, USA

We are taking our first family vacation to London in a few weeks. My wife, daughter and myself all agree that these terrorist strikes will not keep us away. From what I have seen the Metropolitan Police and emergency service workers are doing the best job possible. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
W. Lansberry, San Francisco, USA

Its all very well for Tony Blair to convey his messages of 'carry on as usual' from the comfort of Chequers or his chauffeur driven car but I am finding it increasingly difficult to do this following the recent bomb threats and continued security alerts. With pressure being put on alternative tube lines due to the closure of several stations and lines, my train to and from work is now extremely overcrowded and very unpleasant, and I am worried sick each time I step aboard. Does Mr Blair have any plans to board a bus or take a tube journey across London in the near future? Maybe he should, just to get an idea of what we 'normal' Londoners have to endure every day.
Mandy, London

I visited NY this march and spent many hours of my day in security lines waiting to visit famous landmarks. I feel as I have nothing to hide in my bag I am more than willing to have it searched. I would rather my privacy be invaded than not be alive the next day to have any privacy. There's too much emphasis on peoples privacy if you have nothing to hide why complain about it?
Carla Hartman, Reading, England

The police, tube and hospital staff, and emergency services have been doing an excellent job. But surely we need more preventive measures like police presence and dogs on trains, baggage checks at stations, fire extinguishers and first aid kits on carriages.
Sophie Owe, London

Several of the threads talk of banning rucksacks on the Tube, but I recently purchased one of the newish laptop-rucksacks to hide the fact to a would-be criminal that I was carrying expensive computer equipment. This is just an example, but it shows how the more common must outweigh the extraordinary, it impossible for our lives to be completely changed by rarer events. We have to get on with our lives and just be more vigilant. Quality of Life is too important, our lives not to be put on hold or regressed by these events.
Roger C, Reading, UK

I want stricter safety measures Jackie, Surrey

I want stricter safety measures. If I have to leave home 30 minutes earlier, so be it. Police can go through my bags anytime. If a bobby wanted to travel in my carriage, I will give up my seat to him/her. I'll even buy the bobby a tea! It was wonderful to see the police, the dogs and horses out in force yesterday. I don't know what to feel or think now. It took me over 5 hours to get home last night. Today I am working from an office other than London. I will continue to travel because I have to work. But my blood pressure is up, my concentration is reduced and I am more weepy than normal. Stressed? You bet I am.
Jackie, Surrey

I still feel perfectly safe, there are risks involved in all forms of transport. Sure, the malice behind these attacks is an additional factor but people need to maintain a sense of perspective; I cycle through Central London rush hour traffic on a regular basis and statistically I have a far higher chance of being killed or seriously injured on my bike than on public transport, bombs or not. I'd imagine the figures would hold true for pedestrians and drivers too. The last thing society needs is x-ray scanners on public transport as some have suggested - or maybe we should bubblewrap the world, just in case.
Toby, London

After 7/7 I took my child on the buses and Tube as soon as I could and will do so again today - My family won't be beaten by this!
S Clark, Bethnal Green, UK

I think it is becoming obviously more dangerous in London, I lived through the IRA stuff and this is not like that! How am I supposed to keep a "stiff upper lip/show must go on attitude" when my father, husband and brother all use the London transport system and seem to be at risk every day? Why are politicians being allowed to swan off on holiday for nearly three months at this time?
Karen, Richmond, London

I am a Londoner by birth and have lived, studied and worked in this city throughout the IRA campaigns. Although I no longer live in London permanently I am a frequent visitor with family and I must say that I am more concerned about safety today than I was during those terrorist campaigns. The main reason is probably the unpredictability of suicide bombing and the lack of prior warnings. This is what scares people into looking for other means of travel other than public transport. And as for security measures; a more visible and permanent and probably armed police presence at large stations, but more importantly public vigilance.
MyronC, Southampton

I am an ex-pat Londoner living in the North. I am coming to London for a few days in August as a "Tourist". I am not cancelling my trip, I may even stay longer, and I will use tube and bus services. Let's face it all these people want is for us to be afraid. We are not.
AJ, Wakefield, UK

To everyone suggesting banning rucksacks, what effect can that possibly have, other than to ensure the suicide bombers will strap themselves with explosives under a big coat? Ban big coats then, but I'm sure you could make a bomb in a briefcase, or a handbag, or a carrier bag. The fact is, in a free society, there is absolutely nothing you can do to stop random acts of violence - it is the price of freedom. Do you want a police state, because that's where you're heading?
Dave, Nottingham, UK

I am suppose to be visiting London next weekend I am still going to go if my friends invite is still open. I am determined that the terrorists will not affect my plans. It does sadden me that London and its people are suffering I lived in London for a year and I used the Victoria Line every day to get to University. All I can say to London is Chin Up and Don't Panic Mr Mainwaring Hitler couldn't overrun this country nor will these people with their twisted ideologies.
Charlotte Trevor, Shrewsbury, England

I think that stop and search should be introduced in this country as it has been now in New York. As an Asian person, I would have no problem if I was searched because I understand that in the current climate it is something that needs to be done. Something has got to be done.
Ravi Chattha, Birmingham

I am becoming increasingly more frightened to commute in London and am getting fed up the Met Commissioner and Prime minister saying 'carry on as usual'. I'm sure that they are not getting on tubes and buses!
Debbie, London

I will continue to use Tubes to get to work, but I am cancelling a family trip to London Zoo because I'm not going to gamble with their safety. There's little point in draconian measures however, as this would be a success for the bombers and they would then target elsewhere. We need to fund a greater police presence, increased counter terror resources and more sniffer dogs. Perhaps a small tax increase might increase resources adequately - can anyone really argue against that? The Tube drivers are right to be concerned - who'd want their job right now?
Alex, London UK

Defiance is all very well but it doesn't save lives Liz, Worthing, UK

Defiance is all very well but it doesn't save lives. Security searches have already been introduced on the New York subway in response to the attacks in London. If the US can do something to improve security, why can't the UK? All we seem to get from the government is 'it's too difficult' and 'continue as normal'. How ineffective and short-sighted is that?
Liz, Worthing, UK

There's little point in putting extensive security measures in place on the Tube, because the bombers will simply move to the trains, or football matches, or theatres, or cinemas, or any other place where people gather together. The sad truth is that there is no way to stop a determined suicide bomber.
Mike Scott, London

As an outsider (to London) I can only praise those of you who can overcome the natural fear and continue with your lives. I salute you and despise those who cause you pain
Farrukh Quraishi, Blackburn. Lancs

My wife wants me to stop using the underground now. That gives me 3 options: 1) Bus - no safer 2) Walk - long walk, and still at risk 3) Cycle - Even more dangerous than public transport. I'm not fazed by these attacks, and life has to go on. We do need to be more vigilant in our travels, but we shouldn't be wrapping ourselves in bubblewrap!!
Simon, Leighton Buzzard, UK

This simply proves that one can never be completely safe from the effects of terrorism. Terrorists can infiltrate even the most secured organisations and communities. The only way to prevent the spread of terrorism is awareness, and a togetherness in the community. We must prevail.
Anon, Malmo, Sweden

Even after two rounds of bombs I am amazed by people saying they will give up using the Tube and switching to using their cars. If the bombers manage to get even a small number of people to switch from public transport to cars they will have much more effect at shutting down London and kill more people than they achieve with their bombs. The Tube is still one of the safest ways to travel and far safer than driving a car and I will in no way change my use of it due to terrorist action
Chris Lowe, London uk

There's silver lining in yesterday's attempted attacks as frightening as it was. A mass of evidence now exists and witnesses have accounts of the attempted bombers. I'd be surprised if this group of people remain at large for long. I feel a little safer this morning. A small crumb of comfort in all of this.
Tom Stewart, London UK

I have to be honest - myself and most of my friends think twice about using public transport now. I wish the press would stop going on Londoners being defiant. I'd rather walk to work than put myself in harm's way. Let's be sensible about this we are under attack.
Malcolm, London

Blair is right. Go to work, use the trains. If the next suicide bomber fails, I hope fellow passengers have sufficient awareness to grab and disable him at all costs. Though the best in the world, the police need passengers to help by being more observant and aware, and cool in the face of panic. It seems that yesterday's bombers relied upon panic to escape..
Liam Coughlan, Banja Luka

Let's think security. Get people to carry their daily lives in see through plastic bags on public transport - like we had to on the planes just after 9/11 Restrict the people who insist on taking suitcases, rucksacks, non see-through bags etc. to using the rear carriage on the underground
Peter, Dudley

I have no choice but to put up with all the disruption and fear while going to work every day. Bills have to be paid!
Richard, London, UK

We are all in this together. Time for people on the Tube to start talking to each other, look about on your train, ask people questions, be vigilant. It will put pressure on these "people"
Dermot Fanning, Uxbridge. Middx

I just want to pass on my thanks and total admiration for the Tube and bus workers Mo C, UK

I just want to pass on my thanks and total admiration for the Tube and bus workers who continue to do their jobs with courage and professionalism, despite the threat from these sick, evil people. It is the 'ordinary workers' who will show how we put the 'Great' into Great Britain. Well done!
Mo C, UK

The simple fact is that the Tube cannot be entirely secured - the only way to be entirely safe would be to have airport-style security checks at every station and the result of these delays would be as good as closing the Tube completely. I would suggest banning large backpacks from the Tube although if someone with a bomb in a backpack were stopped they could just detonate it there and then.
John B, UK

This will definitely have an impact on the London tourist industry. The truth is I will think twice before visiting London again. It's not worth getting blown-up to have a day out.
Andrew Thomas, Swansea, Wales

I wish there were scanners just like at the airport so anything dodgy could be picked up. I understand that the actual logistics of doing this would probably not be practical but I would feel a lot safer.
Anna, Hertfordshire

Why don't passengers show each other what's in our bags when we get on public transport? That will slow them down. I'd be happily do it. People with suitcases could be searched by TFL staff.
Mick, London

Bluewater shopping centre banned people from wearing hoodies because of violent attacks and abusive behaviour - should British Transport systems follow suit and ban rucksacks from the London transport systems?
Lucy F, Reading

The staff in London Underground should be more alert of their surroundings and there should be more of them. Yes, we should all live our daily lives and do the things we normally do, but it also means more staff should be on patrol, not just to find anything suspicious but also to make the commuters feel more safe.
Fatema, London

London must be strong, they want us to crumble Sally Bennett, Guildford, UK

I am a Tube Driver on the Northern Line. I feel that we cannot give in to these cowards. London must be strong, they want us to crumble. We are not afraid!
Sally Bennett, Guildford, UK

My family live in the heart of London. This will not stop them living their lives as normal. These determined Londoners will not be frightened into submission.
Sally, Norfolk, UK

I'm coming to London for a holiday in August. I booked the flight 6 July. but I'm not going to cancel it! I look forward to coming to London and just hope for the best. One suggestion, why not use x-ray-luggage scans on the tube as they do in airports? Would it be too complicated? I guess this would help! All my support and admiration to brave Londoners.
Elisabetta, Trieste, Italy

I am a 60-year-old grandmother, was in central London on a bus at 10.30am on 7/7. I am returning to visit my daughter next week! Nothing will stop me.
Mo Olphin, Norwich, Norfolk

Born and raised in London, I am returning to visit relatives and friends and intend to carry on with sight-seeing and shopping and my life with pride and no fear of these cowards.
Ryszard, Darlington