WE are told that Britain is on terrorist alert, with high security measures in place to ward off potential attacks.

And yet, in the space of a few months, campaigners from Fathers 4 Justice have managed rather easily to reach the very heart of government and now the residence of the head of state.

We are thankful their weaponry was limited to flour-filled condoms and their combat outfits were merely Batman costumes. We dare not contemplate the consequences had they been ruthless terrorists armed to the teeth.

The ease with which they were able to stage such spectacular protests does not inspire public confidence in the ability of our security forces to counter somewhat more sophisticated plots.

Perhaps we should be grateful to Fathers 4 Justice for exposing such weaknesses in our defences.

However, the mere fact that the issue raised by their protests is one of homeland security undermines the real motive of their actions.

Most people have the utmost sympathy for the cause of Fathers 4 Justice. The call for a reform in laws governing access to children has widespread support.

And headline-grabbing publicity stunts were a perfect way to bring the issue into the public arena.

But now the injustice is acknowledged, it is time to call a halt to outlandish activities and revert to constructive dialogue as a means to an end.

Their stunts must no longer be allowed to detract from their very serious message.