I FIND it laughable and insulting to hear Tony Blair and George Bush claiming no decision has been made on whether to go to war on Iraq. That decision has been made and we are now being subjected to propaganda telling us this action is necessary.

However, there are too many unanswered questions: Why attack Iraq now and not 18 months ago? Does this have anything to do with the US's inability to capture Osama bin Laden? What about the innocent Iraqi lives that will surely be lost?

Where is the hard evidence that Saddam has weapons of mass destruction? Why not attack other countries with nuclear capabilities such as India and Pakistan?

Could this be something to do with Iraq's oil supplies?

Is this not a convenient way for President Bush to deflect attention from the current financial scandals in the US?

Mr Blair needs to realise the hypocrisy of championing democracy, yet totally ignoring the will of the British people who elected him. Listen to your countrymen Mr Blair, we don't want war. - S Hogg, Framwellgate Moor, Durham.

IF the powers-that-be want a war with Iraq, that's what we'll get and the opinions of ordinary people won't make any difference at all. They never do.

Iraq is not attacking anybody at present, nor threatening to do so except in retaliation. Therefore, is there really any justification for a pre-emptive strike, that could trigger off a far worse situation for us all?

If every nation with 'weapons of mass destruction' were attacked, the world would be in a very sorry state because that includes Britain and the US. We are expected to believe the demonisation of Saddam Hussein and it may very well be true, but why aren't other tyrants being attacked? The ordinary people have always been powerless when it comes to such matters, and one vote every five years seems to change little or nothing.

We can only hope that we escape a nasty backlash from this situation, but it seems we ordinary people can do nothing to stop it. One thing seems clear: Tony Blair and George Bush won't be shedding their blood in the front line! - Maurice Jordan, Newton Aycliffe.

THE news that Saddam Hussein has decided to allow UN weapons inspectors back into his country unconditionally must be welcome.

I have been receiving requests from constituents wanting to know my views on the possibility of military action against Iraq and there is no doubt about people's concern and worry over the situation.

As matters currently stand, and even more so in the view of the recent announcement, I am opposed to military action.

Firstly, there is no evidence linking Saddam Hussein's regime (however despotic and awful it may be) to the events of September 11 last year. Secondly, an attack on Iraq will undoubtedly destabilise the Middle East and therefore make the world a less safe place for us all to live in.

The use of military force on behalf of its citizens must be a last resort of a government - to be used only after all other efforts have been exhausted and there is absolutely no other possible option.

Further, in today's world such force should only be employed with a full international mandate. Whilst we wait now for the result of the UN deliberations on the latest developments, we should also note that the majority of public opinion across the European Union, including the UK, is opposed to unilateral military action against Iraq. - Diana Wallis MEP, Yorkshire & the Humber (Liberal Democrat).

IF America and Britain are not to be leaders in the fight against terror, then can someone tell me who will?

Oil rich states, with their princes and kings, have stood idly by and not lifted a finger for their Palestinian kin.

The Middle East, despite the oil revenue, is no richer than 40 years ago and certainly no more open, democratic or respectful of human rights.

That aside, I'm a Conservative and firmly believe in the rule of law, democratic consultation and the real security of Britain. Any state leader that bypasses these principles is by definition, a dictator.

Yet now, as an ex-serviceman, I don't see any new damning evidence.

If I'm wrong and the threats are imminent, then why no gas mask, communal shelter and civil preparation?

Saddam Hussein and the rest of the mad men need sorting out, whether Iraq is now priority one should be openly debated. - J Tague, Chairman, Bishop Auckland Branch, Conservative Party.

SINGLE CURRENCY

THIS week marked the tenth anniversary of Black Wednesday, when Britain extricated itself from the totally disastrous Exchange Rate Mechanism.

Since September 16, 1992, Britain's economy has flourished, so much so that it is inconceivable that those who supported the ERM want to us repeat the stupidity by joining the single currency.

The European single currency, the euro, is the ERM experiment writ large.

Whereas we had the choice to walk away from the ERM when it proved disastrous, no such option is open to us if we join the euro.

Norman (Lord) Lamont, who was Chancellor at the time of our ERM exit, sums up the euro project perfectly when he describes it as like being in a burning building with the fire exits bolted from the outside. - Dave Pascoe, Press Secretary, UK Independence Party, Hartlepool Branch.