There must be half a dozen or so journalists who could be described as 'leading' in their field. Last night I had supper with one who is a household name and TV personality and would be the first name on many peoples lips when asked to name an writer whose views they respected on the issue of Islamist fundamentalism.

 had no idea that England was far more important to the Islamists than America - following on from 9/11, I thought it would be the other way round.

I suppose it stands to reason that here is the home, the mother country of the English language, of world finance, of law and innovation, and some of the most famous universities in the world.

Symbolism is everything to the Islamist in the midst of a Jihad, the holy war we are silently engaged in.

Apparently, the minaret of a mosque, which will be built in Oxford, will stand taller than the dreamy spires.

Standing taller is all that matters, it’s the most important thing. Symbolic.

To the Islamist, America is a Johnny come lately, it's England that matters.

Whereas anyone walking by may not even notice the towering height, casting a shadow over a dreamy spire, to the Islamist it represents a triumphant call to arms.

And the passer-by will think it’s just another innocent call to prayer.