ANTI-WAR protester Robin Brookes, of Market Lavington, is refusing to pay his taxes because he disagrees with the Government's policy on war with Iraq.

Mr Brookes, 49, a director of Honeychurch Toys in Market Lavington, and a committed Quaker, wrote to the Inland Revenue on Friday, detailing the reasons why he is prepared to face legal action and the distraint of his property by bailiffs rather than submit to what he sees as the disregard for the wishes of the majority of British people.

He said: "Tony Blair has taken sides with the US drive towards war with Iraq, without restraint or consideration of the alternatives.

"The USA is clearly not interested in any outcome other than war and has barely concealed its contempt for the resumed weapons inspection.

"It is obvious that it is seeking to control the Middle East for its own ends and without regard for Muslim and Arab feeling and the volatile situation there at present."

Mr Brookes said he had been unhappy for some time about paying the proportion of taxes that pays for preparations for war. He said he supports the peace tax campaign Conscience, which aims to win the legal right for citizens to divert the estimated ten per cent of taxes normally earmarked for defence costs to pay for peace making.

He told the Gazette: "What we need is a department that looks at defusing international situations. Most people are like me. We hear about these situations late in the day and are powerless to do anything about them.

"I am determined not to give in willingly to those who want to make war. We have got to find an alternative."

Mr Brookes is well aware that his refusal to pay his income tax demand could land him in very hot water.

He said: "I have had to think about this long and hard. I know there will be legal consequences to my actions."

Mr Brookes took part in the recent Peace March in London and was with local Quakers for a peace vigil in the Brittox the same week.

His letter to the tax inspector at Chippenham said that citizens were conscripted by their taxes rather than being personally called up.

The letter said: 'Conscientious objectors are involved by proxy in wars which they have unwillingly paid for.'

Mr Brookes has sent copies of his letter to Tony Blair, Devizes MP Michael Ancram and Minister Clare Short as well as the Conscience campaign.

lcowen@newswilts.co.uk

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