NOW that "war" has begun we are told we must support our troops. Some say they understand the protests but that they must now stop - a ludicrous argument which could be used to legitimise any attack.

The "war" is no less unjust or illegal simply because it has started.

We pay our troops to defend us and to put their own lives at great risk. At the very least we owe them our best judgement before sending them to war.

Instead, we have sent them to blatantly violate international law and kill hundreds of innocent civilians.

On Saturday in Basra four members of the same family, including a two-year old girl, were killed by British/American bombing. If disarmament really is the issue, why don't we send 100,000 weapons inspectors instead of 200,000 troops?

This "war" does not have the support of the EU, NATO or the UN, and in violating the UN Charter is clearly illegal under international law.

How is sending our forces to commit war crimes "supporting" our troops?

ALLEN HARDY

Kidderminster

(Full address supplied)