Impossible task

Who, one wonders, can the apologists blame for the departure of the latest group of young British doctors and students who have reportedly gone to Syria?

The police, the school they ­attended and the security services were all blamed for the three London schoolgirls disappearing, but this latest incident will be more difficult to explain away.

Will we be told that, as in the case of the London schoolgirls, a closer watch should have been kept on them? Perhaps secret CCTV cameras should have been installed and their e-mails and Twitter and Facebook accounts hacked?

My point is a serious one. I have nothing but admiration for our security services and police – but their job is simply impossible. 

Alexander McKay

New Cut Rigg

Edinburgh