SIR - Once again Mike Priestley is chanting his mantra about Iraq (T&A, December 27).

He wants us to cut and run. The British armed forces have never walked away from conflict, as far as I know.

We invaded Iraq, so we owe to the millions of law-abiding, democracy-seeking Iraqis, all the help they need.

I know we have taken losses, but I'm afraid that's what happens in warfare. Ask a marine or a para, if he would rather be doing the job he is highly trained for, or whether he'd rather be in his barracks, square bashing, or changing his kit, and you would soon receive short shrift.

Does he honestly think Tony Blair is a warmonger, who revels in what is happening? Has he ever stopped to imagine what it is like to walk in his shoes?

This man goes readily, anywhere in the world to bring peace, where there is conflict, with a certain amount of success, ie Sierra Leone, Kosovo, Bosnia, Northern Ireland and hopefully Israel, Palestine, Afghanistan, and yes, Iraq.

G Tasker, Park Road, Low Moor