Another hideous terrorist attack claiming Islamic justification, and leaders repeat the broken record of condemnation (Terror on London Bridge, News, June 4). Do they think vague statements of Islam as peaceful (and perpetrators as cowardly) will influence anyone with sympathy with terrorists?

They should quote the Koran itself: “There shall be no compulsion in religion” (2:256), and “To you your beliefs, and to me mine” (109:1-6). No doubt terrorists could drag up opposite quotes, but ideology legitimation may tip the balance.

Rev RF Philip

Shieldhill