Having it both ways

With the current security situation there is, understandably, a lot of analysis going on in the country's news studios. This morning's comments on BBC Breakfast by a representative of the insurance industry on travellers' rights are particularly noteworthy, I think.

He outlined how coverage would depend on the holiday insurance policy in question (duh!) and while most policies specifically have a clause excluding claims for terrorist activity, a few did allow this.

But here's the rub:

• Policies with a clause excluding claims related to terrorist activity would not cover claims made for compensation or refund due to the on-going heightened security situation.
• Policies with a clause covering terrorist activity would still not honour any claims as no terrorist atrocity has actually happened - it was prevented.

Phrases involving eating and having cake spring to mind.