They can be very useful, they distract the public opinion from other things, they can give an excuse for eroding civil rights and so on.
I don't know for sure whether it was real, overplayed or totally made up. I only know that this government has not told the truth in other occasions and would benefit from scaring the country, therefore nothing would surprise me much.

Terrorism is not just useful for perpetrators but also politicains and governments

I agree with the above. Even if true it was very conveniant timing for a government under a lot of pressure over things they will be glad to see out of the head lines.

Bang on again wise woman, am actually writing this response at the library next to a woman who's 'half in the bag' on alcohol spewing disbelief and condemantion of me for agreeing with you. Of course, I voiced aloud before her spew. "What a crock of shite!"

Yes, the 'plot of terror' is perfect timing for those skull & bones cabalists' in power crumbling in the pols.

My clock suggests that you must be up and about very early in the day.

Regarding terrorism, a terrible situation on its own but when various political influences become involved it can become even worse!

Hope it has been foiled completely.

Hello, good I create q these things never are going to finish, and the truth this thing of the attacks is horrible, I I do not understand whereupon reason kills so many innocents, that is my simple and humble opinion, kisses until soon

John Reid-Defence Secretary gave a speech on Thursday about "imminant plots" and the need for the public to basically do away with any ideas of normal human rights (ie trials, freedom of movement etc) and then strangely enough a terror plot has been foiled.

I think that British Intelligence and Government are looking to justify the mess they've made around the world and its very unpopular support of Israel in the Israel/Lebanon conflict, and a close call of mass murder provides a better justification than any rhetoric can.
However, I don't think it was a complete farce, I think that there probably was some sort of threat and there may have been many more that haven't been publicised, but this one was needed to be in the public eye. On another note-George Bush thanked the UK for our "co-operation". The UK is not just an apendege of the US Mr Bush.

No I dont think it was total 'farce'. But govt.s all over the world tend to present big things 'smaller' and small things 'bigger' according to their political necessities. Moreover in India state has failed to provide basic 'human security' to majority of population. Farmers are committing suicides everyday. However govt can show that it is quite concern about security of the people by rhetoric and some sporadic actions against terrorism.
Thanks ellihutch

To echo a comment in a recent interview by US Secretary of State Condeleeza Rice, the Chinese character for "crisis" contains elements that describe both "danger" and "opportunity".

While the danger may have been real, the UK government has certainly capitalised on the opportunity of yesterday's crisis to deflect our attention from elsewhere and reinforce a culture of fear that supports their current policies.

We'll have to wait and see how real and imminent the danger was until the evidence is revealed (*if* it is revealed...). And those arrested are suspects at this stage, no more, until they have their day in court. It is for a court alone to determine their guilt -- and that thankful fact separates us from terrorists and their agenda.