COLONEL Gaddafi’s death appears to have pleased many Libyans, but his execution without trial by forces armed by NATO seems to have delighted those in the corridors of power in Westminster and Washington. Collective sighs of relief must be the order of the day, given that Gaddafi will never go on trial.

Now we will never know whether he really was involved in the murder of PC Yvonne Fletcher. We will never find out what really went on when a jumbo jet was bombed over Lockerbie. We will never find out about the alleged deals made between himself and British arms and oil companies after the personal intervention of Tony Blair.

Killing people without trial is a dangerous phenomenon which is being condoned by our Government and media. A few years ago Saddam Hussein’s sons and infant grandchildren were wiped out by US forces.

Recently, Osama Bin Laden was killed by US Special Forces.

Moreover, not only Gaddafi, but also one of his sons and grandchild were killed in a Nato airstrike. This is the law of the jungle and contravenes all of the legal agreements of the United Nations.

John Gilmore, Bishop Auckland.