15/04/03

All the Iraqis and Kurdish refugees who fled that regime to live in this country will now be able to return to live without fear in their own country.

The same applies regarding the overthrow of the Taliban in Afghanistan. All the so-called refugees from this country can now be returned home.

We do hope the Home Office will take note of these comments. What a good start to our ongoing problems. - JM Catt, Darlington.

ONCE again Great Britain has stood with America, creating the most powerful force on this earth.

While the loss of life in Iraq is regrettable, our troops, especially in Basra, have been a shining example of humanitarian spirit to win the hearts and minds of the Iraqi people.

Our armaments proved to be the best in the world, especially the Challenger tank, created right here in the North-East.

News of terrible atrocities are beginning to filter out of the country, making the liberation by our forces essential to free an intimidated and frightened society.

The Coalition has stated that after the war the Iraqi people will run the country when a democracy will be established.

Four million Iraqi exiles scattered throughout the world can return to their beloved homeland, crippling sanctions lifted and tourism restored.

Revenues easily earned when the production of oil is at full capacity can rebuild a potentially prosperous country; not wasted on palaces and yachts.

The only losers in restoring the oil production to its full potential would be the mega-rich oil producing countries when oil prices will undoubtedly decline. - Bernard McCormick, Newton Aycliffe.

WAR GRAVES

I WAS saddened to hear of the desecration of the war cemetery at Etaples, France. My grandfather was killed in the First World War and is buried there.

The French should be grateful that the 10,000 soldiers buried there died defending them.

I think we should all boycott French goods, to show them how disgusted we are. - K Hirst, Stockton.

SEEING the damage done to our war memorial in France, I trust that Tony Blair realises what our people think of his friendship with President Chirac.

Just do the nation a favour, Mr Blair and get us out of Europe altogether and start putting right the damage you have done to our once great country.

I do not want to see France or Germany take any part in restoring Iraq. They will be like vultures, looking for a share in the build-up of Iraq.

Let Mr Blair get our country free from all European laws. - F Wealand, Darlington.

COUNCIL TAX

IN reply to Paul Leake (HAS, Apr 10) I think you'll find I've argued more than most about the unfairness of council tax.

While no solution will suit the whole of society, my point is that local income tax would again trap the region in the culture of dependency. We have, like I mentioned, welfare dependency in all districts approaching 200 per cent, high-quality, well-paid jobs being lost by the day and replaced, on the whole, by lower-paid jobs.

Council tax accounts for only 25 per cent of council income. The remaining revenue comes from central government and partnerships.

The region will continue to lag behing others if we don't have a strong competitive employment and skill base.

Good jobs first Mr Leake, then we'll have the ability to pay and stand on our own two feet. - Jim Tague, Chairman, Bishop Auckland Branch, Conservative Party.

EXCLUSIVE BRETHREN

I READ with amazement the feature regarding the Exclusive Brethren (Echo, Apr 7).

Is it really right that parents should be able to bring up their children with such a sheltered and strange view of the world, where access to radio and television, newspapers and computers is forbidden?

Is this not mental cruelty, and as bad as physical cruelty? One accepts that adults have every right to believe or reject whatever they wish, but surely children should be given a more normal view of the outside world?

It makes one realise that brainwashing and childhood indoctrination was in use long before communism practised it. - Eric Gendle, Nunthorpe, Middlesbrough.

FIRE SERVICE

THE new-look John Prescott may soon be seen climbing up a ladder to retrieve your loved pet from a tree. Unlikely as it may be, Mr Prescott is trying to dictate the role of our fire service.

Britain has the finest professional fire and rescue service in the world, a team of men and women dedicated to saving life in our homes and on our roads.

We look to our emergency services in times of need. The public has a duty to support our fire and rescue personnel and to say to John Prescott that his application to become a fireman has been declined on medical grounds. - P Roxburgh, Framwellgate Moor.

HOTSPUR AWARD

THE Northumbrian Association is asking people to nominate an individual for the Hotspur Award.

This silver spur is based on the famous Charlton Spur of North Tynedale and carries the name of one of the region's most famous sons, Harry Hotspur.

The award is made annually to a living personality, who "through bold endeavour" has brought credit to the North-East.

Last year awards were made to Frank Atkinson, who created Beamish Museum, and sculptor Antony Gormley.

Just write the name of the person you propose and why they deserve the award. Include your name and address, as a prize will be awarded to one of the proposers of the successful nomination. Send it to: The Northumbrian Association, PO Box 78, Hexham, Northumberland, NE 46. - Mike Tickell Chairman, Northumbrian Association.