SO Tony Blair has his war. It does not matter to him that it is unnecessary, illegal and is likely to bring the anger of the world onto our island. Of course the opposition of so many people here is the least of his considerations, this supposed lover of democracy.

Many of us here in Swindon have relatives, friends or neighbours who have been sent to the Gulf to fight his war for him, risking their lives while he prepares his special security arrangements to keep himself and his cronies safe from harm. It is these brave young people who should now be uppermost in our minds and we should give them all the support that their courage deserves in spite of our views on the war. Let us back them now in their difficult task and pray they should come safely home.

But equally let us not forget the evil, arrogant man who has led this country by the nose into conflict. I hope the blood of those killed will weigh on his conscience and keep him awake at night; he is the one man who will have blood on his hands. Nor should we ever forgive him and when some democratic sop like an election vote is thrown to us, let us use it to drive him and his supporters from power.

ROGER BARNES

Corby Avenue

Swindon