A small but very significant victory

At long last the killers of Perthshire aid worker David Haines face being brought to justice.

It is more than three years since his senseless murder, and every day must have represented an almost unimaginable trial for his devoted family, including daughter Bethany.

News of the capture of terrorists believed to be responsible for Mr Haines’ death is welcome indeed.

Of course, the civilised way in which they will now be treated is in stark contrast to their own sordid modus operandi.

Nevertheless, justice can now be done.

David’s daughter hailed yesterday’s news, saying it would “bring a lot of closure to a lot of people”.

Doubtless there are many other operatives in the same mould as those within the notorious cell dubbed “The Beatles”.

Nevertheless, each capture represents a small yet significant victory in a far bigger battle.

As has been graphically proven on far too many occasions, militants associated with so-called Islamic State will stop at nothing as they spread their twisted messages of hate.

The best way to limit the prevalence of such deadly hatred is to smash cells such as this – and to prove beyond any shadow of doubt that no stone will be left unturned in the search for justice, no matter how long it takes.