The eyes of the world focused on a small chocolate cafe in Sydney’s Martin Place this week as the tragic events of the hostage-taking played out. This was front page news in the media in Britain and all around the world. Such events strike a particular chord because everyone thinks “if it’s happening to ordinary people in an ordinary place like that, it could happen to any of us anywhere”. You can’t even begin to imagine what the hostages and their loved ones outside are going through.
The fact that the perpetrator Man Haron Monis used Islamic insignia initially raised concerns that this was part of a wider terrorist plot by muslim extremists. But in fact he seems to have been a crazed individual lone wolf, with a long history of violence and antisocial behaviour.
Throughout the siege we liaised with the authorities to ascertain whether any British nationals were involved and kept London closely informed of developments. I made sure Number 10 was fully briefed. The siege was taking place just a few streets away from where David Cameron strolled with Tony Abbott during his visit last month. As Britain awoke to news of the siege the PM tweeted that his thoughts were with all those caught up in it. Speaking in Parliament yesterday, after the siege had ended, he referred to tales of extraordinary bravery and sacrifice “which is what we would expect from the people of that remarkable and great country”.
The authorities and security personnel appeared to handle the unfolding drama very competently, with political leaders and the NSW Police Commissioner and his team projecting calm, professionalism and reassurance. Sadly it did not prove possible to resolve the crisis peacefully and two of the hostages died, with others injured. The attention of the world’s media will inevitably move on, but for the families of the victims life will never be the same.
The response of ordinary Australians has been impressive. Such shocking events are much rarer here than in many comparable countries. After the siege had ended, well-wishers turned Martin Place into a sea of flowers as they sought to find a way to show their support and sympathy. Our Consul General in Sydney went there to pay respect and sign the condolences book on behalf of the British people.
A social media hashtag #Illridewithyou, which started as one person’s message about the importance of community cohesion in the face of acts of violence, went viral globally. I hope it is some comfort for Australians to know that at times like this your friends in Britain and all around the world, are thinking of you. We are all riding with you.