Paul Henke is apparently a very successful author of fiction books with a historical basis. Most of which star Nick Hunter - who like Henke is a underwater mine and bomb clearance expert who doesn't swear. Despite having only come accross Paul's work when he five-finger discounted one of his own books for me at an instore signing that I was walking through trying to get a Chuck Palahniuk book his books were interesting enough to ask him random questions in the name of progress.

Vicki:To touch upon an ongoing theme in your work, how much of a hindrance is the politicisation of intelligence in the fight against non-State terrorism?

Paul:It's a huge problem. This government is incapable of allowing others to deal with problems. This may be true of all governments but the current Labour party seems the worst.

Vicki:What is your favourite TV detective show?

Paul:Anything written by Agatha Christie. Best TV show right now, undoubtedly 'Spooks.'

Vicki:A large part of Havoc’s impact is in the believable threat from the far right. To what extent do you think the nature of this threat has been manipulated by the media?

Vicki:Do you think it is possible to win a war of terrorism?

Paul:Yes. Provided we work on hearts and minds. The Middle East is a huge issue and not to be underestimated. Israel should be reigned in as a matter of urgency. It is a terror state fomenting terrorism often against the will of many of its own people.

Vicki:In your opinion would it be more productive to have a general public aware and educated about the work or the security services and military or completely oblivious?

Paul:We should be aware in general, not in fact. Operations need to be secret until over. Even then some secrets will have to remain.

Vicki:Was Prince Charles flattered by his cameo in Debacle?

Paul:I think so. I had a nice letter from him. He's a great guy and will be a great King one day.

Vicki:From your substantial experience what is the stupidest example of human behaviour when confronted with a mine or bomb?

Paul:Stupidest behaviour? Probably to be afraid of it. The job needs doing. You get on and do it.

Vicki: large part of Havoc’s impact is in the believable threat from the far right. To what extent do you think the nature of this threat has been manipulated by the media?

Paul:I think there is a threat from the far right. Look how successful the BNP have been - nearly 1 million voters! That's astonishing. So why aren't the mainstream politicians sorting out peoples fears? We know that the biggest worry people have is immigration and Islam. So why don't we address the problem sensibly and stop the far right's appeal? I would like to discuss this matter in honest debate with politicians but there lies the rub. Finding an honest politician.

Vicki:How much of a problem is violence in the media?

Paul:There is an argument that if the violence was obscenely graphic less people would commit it. A blow to the head, or a fall to the ground and the head hitting concrete can have consequences beyond imagination. You don't get up, shake the head and walk away. Why do we show someone being killed but not two people making love? Which is the more obscene? I'm not suggesting any answers, only posing the questions.

Vicki:In order to combat terrorism successfully should human rights take a back seat?

Paul:Undoubtedly yes. However, in my book 'Chaos' I ask the question posed by Decimus Junius Juvenalis around the year 100, SED QUIS CUSTODIET IPSOS CUSTODES? Who will guard the guards themselves? Two thousand years later we still don't have an answer. But human rights give us our boundaries, define us. But what about the rights of the masses over the individual who poses a threat to ordinary decent people who just want to get on with their lives? It's an argument that goes around and around with no answer. However, one thing I do know, lawyers should top playing games with the law and work to put criminals and terrorists away forever. If need be, build more prisons.

Links: Henke