This is indeed a clash of civilisations, not between Islam and Christendom but between reason and superstition.

So what really works? Treatments in jail do some good, but it's mostly too late: finding a family and a job or just growing older make most prisoners eventually give up crime.

There is all the difference in the world between teaching children about religion and handing them over to be taught by the religious.

But instead of standing up for reason, our government is handing education over to the world of faith.

One in six people suffer depression or a chronic anxiety disorder. These are not the worried well but those in severe mental pain with conditions crippling enough to prevent them living normal lives.

But the single overwhelming reason why jails are bursting is longer sentences given for more crimes.

The best care on earth cannot prevent us all dying in the end.