I MUST say that I wasn't too surprised at the recent news concerning the deaths of more of our troops from "friendly fire". It isn't the first and I'm sure it won't be the last.

What disgusts me is the fact that the families of British victims receive about a quarter of the compensation that American families receive.

Why couldn't Tony Blair arrange a fair deal for our victims' families from his friend, George Bush.

Some time ago Mr Blair was on television inspecting the poppy fields and said he would get rid of them.

Every year since they have multiplied and now they grow more than the rest of the world combined.

God help the Palestinians if he is going to solve their problems with the Israelis.

TR McCormack, Newton Aycliffe.