SIR – So Harriett Baldwin MP has aligned herself with those who would kill innocent Syrians on a dubious pretext, unlike 50 of her colleagues who had doubts.

My wife and I are new to this beautiful county. I am generous and optimistic, so let us say Mrs Baldwin is a very good constituency MP.

Anyone who is not prepared to send themselves, or their children [if the minimum age] to fight on the front lineof any war they endorse is both a coward and hypocrite.

I would not stoop to calling Mrs Baldwin that, so I assume she is prepared to do both.

In Iraq, 90 per cent of the millions killed were/are civilians.

After the depleted uranium dust settles, and the ‘smart weapons’ have killed more innocent children, Mrs Baldwin will be left with the undeniable truth.

Voting for war has nothing to do with sexy dossiers, careers, whips, loyalty or being a good constituency MP.

In a world of endless wars, those in public life will be ultimately remembered for whether they had the courage to back war fully or stand up for peace.

And Mrs Baldwin may be found sorely lacking.

JACK STEWART

Malvern