IN the midst of the devastation and tragedy brought by the London bombings, there are genuine signs of hope to be found.

Ever since the explosions, those signs have been evident in the way different faiths have united in reinforcing the message that terrorism must be defeated.

They were there in the overwhelming and defiant response to the weekend's celebrations to mark the 60th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.

And they are there in the way politicians of rival parties have reacted to the disaster.

We have already noted the impeccable way Tony Blair has responded to the atrocity at a time when he was also playing a leading role in the G8 summit, and Britain's successful Olympics bid.

And yesterday, how refreshing it was to hear Tory leader Michael Howard paying warm tribute to the Prime Minister for the "calm, resolute and statesmanlike way" his Government dealt with the aftermath of the attack.

We applaud Mr Howard and hope his words herald a new, less adversarial era in British politics, in which credit is given where credit is due on both sides of the House.

It is not a weakness to acknowledge good work - it is a quality which is widely appreciated.

And when people with different opinions, beliefs and perspectives show public solidarity, it sends a very strong message indeed.