‘What our government and the opposition haven’t faced up to is the true mood of the public. A lot of people aren’t saying what they’re feeling out loud but it’s plain to see. They’ve just had enough.’

The reporter said, ‘Enough of what exactly?’

Rolt lifted his hands and let them drop again as if the answer was obvious. ‘Fear. They’ve had enough of being afraid.’

‘So, are you saying that the government should be considering more drastic measures?’

‘We know they’re scared of upsetting one small minority of the electorate for fear it will tip the balance in an election. But they’ve got to stop trying to be all things to all people. Hundreds of our men and women have died, thousands have sustained life-changing injuries in the War on Terror. And what have we got to show for their sacrifice? The people Invicta helps are asking, “What about the war here?”’

‘Are you saying there’s going to be a war here?’

Rolt wagged a finger at the interviewer. ‘Don’t put words into my mouth. I’m just repeating what they tell me.’

Tom observed how Rolt controlled the interview, fending off the reporter but at the same time delivering his message in his own words. The reporter’s eyes were gleaming as if he knew that what Rolt was saying would make headlines all over the media, and he’d have got it first.

‘And what would you like to say to the people who bombed your hostel?’

‘I’d say to them, “You have just forfeited your welcome in this country. You and your beliefs are not welcome here.” And I would challenge the government to follow through with that. I’d say to them, “It ends here. Inclusion has failed. It’s time to weed out the terrorists and remove them from the community.”’

‘To where?’

‘To wherever they can’t harm us.’

‘That sounds like a call to arms.’

‘Let’s say more of an en garde.’

‘Against the Muslim community?’

‘God, no. Don’t misunderstand me. Look, I can find you any number of law-abiding British Muslims who would be the first to say, “Do something about the extremists before it’s too late.” The government’s tried the warm fluffy approach – that’s failed. They’ve tried control orders – failed. If what these terrorists want is a caliphate, if they want Sharia law, there are places they can go and find that – but not here. The Huguenots, the Jews and all the other persecuted groups who have settled here came to these shores in search of tolerance and freedom. That tolerance and freedom is now under threat and we need to recognize that.’

The reporter frowned. ‘What you’re proposing doesn’t sound like tolerance to me.’

Rolt smiled regretfully. ‘How can you honestly tolerate people whose stated aim is to kill and maim?’

The reporter looked uncomfortable.