EVENTUALLY, the countries that invaded and occupied Afghanistan will have to negotiate their withdrawal, but it is clear from their pronouncements that the Government and Opposition are not contemplating an exit strategy yet.

They are indifferent to the views of most people in this country that we should withdraw; they want to see more troops sent out and more blood-letting.

From the start I have failed to see the justification for the mission itself.

I do want to be protected from terrorist attacks on us. I unconditionally support the security precautions at our airports. I support all efforts to win hearts and minds to the values most of us share. I support the prosecution of those who have caused mayhem and those where there is evidence that to do so is their intention.

If we were engaged in a war that was, in fact, in our defence, I have no doubt that we should prosecute it until our defence was assured. I do not recognise this to be the case. The arguments of Gordon Brown and David Cameron have so far been far from convincing.

My wish is for us to pull out of Afghanistan and be prepared to offer reparations for the damage we have caused by our unjustified incursion into its affairs.

Geoffrey Bulmer, Billingham.