Sir,

Having just returned from Iraq with the Defence Select Committee I am amazed by your leader and Charles Moore’s article (21st May 2004).  Viewed from the perspective of Basra, Michael Howard would be absolutely negligent in his duty if he wasn’t putting pressure on the Prime Minister to do everything he can to address the shambles of American policy towards Iraq.  8,500 British soldiers have no idea what their status in Iraq will be on 1st July 2004, no idea of the status of their detained suspected terrorists and are watching the civil administration of the Coalition Provisional Authority collapse around them.  This is directly undermining their efforts to deliver security in the British area of responsibility.  Meanwhile 500 attacks with lethal weapons have been launched on our troops in the last month alone.  By a combination of outstanding professionalism and good fortune no fatalities have been sustained.  But the idea this situation can continue with the Opposition as silent witness is absurd.

Crispin Blunt MP
House Of Commons