Britain divided? 'This has changed the lives of us all'

Did the bombs kill off all hope of the nation living in racial harmony? London stood united a month ago, but is that now just a heart-warming memory? Are hatred and violence on the increase? As police revealed a sixfold rise in race crime and Tories declared the death of multiculturalism, we asked Londoners: how is life for you?

News in pictures
News in pictures
On Facebook
From the blogs

Bahrain: One year on

I am used to endless lies and criticism from the BNP and its favourite blogster, as well as Islamist...

HIV orphans in Thailand prepare for the future

In Baan Gerda, a community for HIV infected or affected youngsters in Northern Thailand, a group of ...

Online House Hunter: England’s most romantic places

Our Online House Hunter goes in search of romance this Valentine's Day...

Roy Hodgson for England: A club of one

To argue against Harry Redknapp for England is akin to arguing in favour of bankers bonuses. While s...


Naba Madani, 23, student of property and business

I've always been able to live with non-Muslims, I was brought up here. When I was walking past an English person in Marylebone he said, 'scum'. Also my friend was driving and someone threw a bottle of beer at her car. The side mirror broke. Before the attacks I could go out at night, but now I'm wary.

Ajmal Masroor, 33, preaches at London mosques

The community cohesion we all aspire to is in great jeopardy at the moment. I went to a rural area in the home counties and as soon as my wife and I came out of the car a group of boys shouted at the top of their voices: 'The terrorists have landed.' I challenged them and they were very embarrassed.

Sadique Al Hasani, 17, student

Everyone understands that the bombers are not doing it for the cause of Islam. They're just mad people. But when my mother's friend went outside of London, someone in a motorway station didn't want to serve her. She was wearing hijab.

Kazim Ali Mechanic, 72, shop owner

Things have changed. People in the community are disheartened. There's a feeling that some of them might go back [to their country of origin]. The Government won't push them, but maybe they're thinking that they'll go back themselves.

Hari Kunzru, author

I was in the US for 9/11 and the atmosphere on the Tube and the buses is reminiscent of the atmosphere at airports then. I feel like I am getting funny looks, and the worst of it is I am giving them to other people.It isworrying to see the police so hyped up. If you're young, male and dark-skinned, the dead Brazilian is never far from your mind as you travel.

Sir Bill Morris, former general secretary of the Transport and General Workers' Union

We should not be seeking to make the argument around one group of people. My concern is that we are turning this into a religious issue rather than seeing them as barbaric criminals. We cannot stigmatise a whole community. Where does it end?

Anita Anand, presenter, BBC Radio Five Live

A friend was evacuated from Warren Street after the attack. Some woman pointed at his brown skin, and said 'we're getting rid of this'. When people start turning on each other it is awful. That said, I love this city and I have witnessed the pulling together. People would never talk to each other on the Tube before but now they are.

Shami Chakrabarti, director of the human rights group Liberty

The British Transport Police said they were not going to waste their time with 'little old white ladies'. If this is racial profiling it could be the start of two queues at the Tube. That is a kind of apartheid that will play into the hands of extremists. Terrorism is about scaring, provoking and dividing.

Brian Etheridge, 35, builder

I saw a man with a guitar stopped by police who asked him his name and searched his guitar. Afterwards he was complaining that it was because of the colour of his skin. The people that have carried out these attacks have a similar physical profile. It is just something [those who are stopped] have got to put up with during this time.

Edward Geary, 50, director for construction company

The issues London is facing are down to a particular sector of Muslims, not to the whole religion. As a Catholic, I can't condemn a whole religion. You can't blame every Irishman for the mess the IRA made.

Peter Scully, 63, taxi driver

I am more cautious and may think twice about the people I pick up. The very fact that there have been bombs makes you more aware of a person's demeanour. Four weeks ago you wouldn't think twice about people but now things have changed slightly. I have noticed some verbal abuse towards Asian people, in particular a Muslim girl.

Paul Jancso, 68, retired

Europe has been Christianity-based for many, many years and I don't think that multiculturalism will ever work in any European country. People who immigrate into this county have to be willing to give something up in order to integrate into society.

Nordia Brown, 38, buyer for a construction company

I have not changed the way I think about others but I notice that others have. The other day I walked away from Embankment and people were staring at a bunch of guys who were French, I think. Then the police checked them. Suddenly people are talking about 'foreigners', whereas first they said 'Londoners'.

Tony Nunn, 40, charity fundraiser

This has changed the lives of us all, and our attitudes. You do look at Asians with beards and rucksacks more. I think everyone is more aware of the people around them. I wouldn't move seats to avoid someone though. I have no choice but to use the Tube, but if I did then I might consider it.

Career Services

Day In a Page

No secularism please, we're British

No secularism please, we're British

Arguments about the role of religion in national life have recently acquired a new urgency
Harold Tillman: 'Chinese tourists can save the high street – if we let them'

Harold Tillman interview

'Chinese tourists can save the high street – if we let them'
Working as a jail torturer ruined my life

Working as a jail torturer ruined my life

Meet the former soldier who has joined the political prisoners he tortured in Turkey's Mamak prison by suing the generals who led a regime of terror
The local high street jet shop

The local high street jet shop

Got a spare $50m and can't stand the queues at Heathrow? Get yourself down to London's first private plane dealership
Do you like your doctor? It could be the death of you

Do you like your doctor?

It could be the death of you...
The mysterious affair of how Agatha Christie is teaching foreigners English

How Agatha Christie is teaching foreigners English

Twenty of the author's novels have been adapted and presented with learning notes and a CD
Six Grammys, five years off: Adele puts love before career

Six Grammys, five years off

Adele puts love before career
The 10 Best binoculars

The 10 Best binoculars

From no-frills to bins with digital cameras
Milan for £300

Milan for £300?

A cultural family holiday - on a budget - to Italy's most stylish city
'Black-hole' resorts: Turn up, tune out, log off

'Black-hole' resorts

Turn up, tune out, log off
New Arsenal face an old question of credibility in San Siro

New Arsenal face an old question of credibility in San Siro

Remodelled since winning in Milan in 2008, for all their consistency – and prize-money – Wenger's side are yet to claim a European title
James Lawton: This prodigal son deserves no forgiveness

James Lawton: This prodigal son deserves no forgiveness

City would be putting their desire to win title ahead of morals if Tevez plays for them
Mark Cavendish: Is Olympic gold at end of the rainbow?

Mark Cavendish interview

Is Olympic gold at end of the rainbow?
Apple admits it has a human rights problem

Apple admits it has a human rights problem

After years of complaints and workers' suicides in China the technology giant faces up to the human cost of its gadgets
Peter Moore: 'I feel guilty I'm the only one alive'

Peter Moore interview

'I feel guilty I'm the only one alive'