Sometimes what a politician leaves unsaid tells us more than what he does say. Take the different reactions to the wave of Islamist terror attacks across Europe by Boris Johnson and Emmanuel Macron. The Prime Minister’s statement of sympathy with Austria over the atrocities in Vienna last night may seem at first glance to cover the bases: ‘I am deeply shocked by the terrible attacks in Vienna tonight. The UK’s thoughts are with the people of Austria — we stand united with you against terror.’
But compare it to that from the president of France: ‘Europe is in mourning. One of our own has been hit hard by Islamist terrorism. We think of the victims, their families, the shattered lives. France stands alongside Austria, ready to lend its support.’
The president names the adversary. The Prime Minister avoids doing so. In case you think this a one-off, let’s look at their statements about the previous Islamist atrocity to hit Europe — the murders at the Basilica in Nice, on Macron’s home soil.
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