York has a long history in confectionery. But, as the article "War-torn Iraq Needs Real Aid... Right Now" (April 16) proves, there is nothing sweet about the old-fashioned humbugs our MP, Hugh Bayley, is now minting.

When it called on MPs for support, the Government was well aware of the responsibilities of an occupying power under the Geneva Convention. And yet it failed to budget for the humanitarian disaster that would result from prosecuting this war in defiance of the United Nations.

Hugh Bayley is an experienced member of the House of Commons' Select Committee on International Development. Before voting against the wishes of many of his constituents last month, he must have considered the devastation the war would cause.

For him to pretend therefore that "The only hero in this is Blair" is deeply offensive to all the civilians and the soldiers who are suffering or have died as a result.

Dr Roderic Vassie,

Belle Vue Cottages,

York.

... MAURICE Vassie wrote that many believe a "British-style democracy" in Iraq would justify the human rights violations that have occurred there at the hands of the "coalition" (April 11).

I agree with his sentiment. I would also like to ask what is so "democratic" about our democracy when the only vote on whether to take military action was hijacked by the Labour Party whips who forced potential "rebels" to toe the party line for fear of reprisals and denting of career aspirations?

Is that democracy? Our own MP, the not so right and not so honourable Hugh Bayley, said he supported a war with a second UN resolution, but voted for war regardless.

That isn't democracy. And for this reason I shall not vote for him, and I hope more follow suit (irrespective of their view on the conflict) to show these politicians that they represent us, the people, and not their own self interest.

Stephen O'Neill,

Front Street,

Acomb, York.

... I AM sure that Chris Titley is right to defend the position of the millions who opposed the Iraq war (April 16). We must continue to oppose the warmongers in America and we call on our MPs and Prime Minister to ensure that the USA does not start yet another war.

The outcome of the war in Iraq may encourage George Bush to try the same thing again elsewhere, but he would not be doing it for selfless humanitarian grounds.

A great deal needs to be done in the aftermath of this war, nor must we forget the cost in terms of human suffering and loss of life. The financial cost is immense, while the work of rebuilding the country, restoring law and order and bringing about a stable government will take a long time.

Meanwhile, let us not forget the equally pressing need to find a peaceful solution to the Israel/Palestinian situation and free the Palestinians from their suffering under the domination of Israel. Zimbabwe is suffering too. In Southern Africa 14 million people are facing starvation and half the amount spent on the war in Iraq could pay off the debt of the poorest countries in Africa.

There should be enough here to keep the UN and the USA busy without any more warmongering.

Jean Frost,

Elmpark Way, York.

Updated: 09:57 Saturday, April 19, 2003