YOUNG people from York schools aired their views on the war at a young people's Question Time in the city today.
The event was chaired by television presenter David Dimbleby and took place at the Guildhall.
The war in Iraq was at the top of the agenda, and pupils discussed whether or not Saddam Hussein had weapons of mass destruction.
Other questions asked included whether Tony Blair was right to go to war and whether he had done it only because he was afraid of what would happen if America had gone alone.
The event was organised by pupils from Fulford School, in line with the Institute of Citizenship, and aimed at letting young people have their say and encouraging them to get involved in politics. Mr Dimbleby, who is also the president of the institute, said it would be disastrous if young people did not get involved in politics.
He said: "It is terribly important that young people get the idea that it is their world and they must make decisions.
"The more we can do to get people articulating their opinions, speaking their minds and engaging, the better.
"Once people hear their own voices, they become more articulate and start to enjoying arguing.
"I have been to two or three of these events and have been struck that they are often really engaging and argumentative and quite surprise the adults."
Meanwhile, protesting students took to the streets this afternoon to show their support for the troops in Iraq. About 20 students from York St John College met outside the students union with banners reading: No More Anti-War, Save Our Heroes and Support The Troops.
Student Laura Buckle, 20, said: "I've got a lot of friends out there and my boyfriend might have to go out next week. It would be nice for them to see some positive support, all they ever hear about is anti-war protests all the time and it's bad for their morale."
The demonstration was marching down Lord Mayor's Walk, Goodramgate, Parliament Street, St Sampson's Square and ending at the Minster. They hoped to attract support along the way.
Updated: 15:07 Friday, April 04, 2003
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