WE have not witnessed protests like this in York before. Minds will go back nearly 20 years to the miners' strike, but that dispute was mainly played out on the coalfields and involved a very specific constituency of demonstrators.

What we are now seeing in York and other city centres is unprecedented. There are two extraordinary aspects to the anti-war protests: the range of people taking part, and their determination to make their voices heard above the din of conflict.

From school children to pensioners, this disparate group is united under the slogan, "Not in our name". In York and across Britain, pupils, students and public and private sector staff have left their workplaces to mount a campaign of civil disobedience.

That their anger is strong enough to propel them from the comfort of routine and job security on to the streets will worry the Government.

And, unlike in previous conflicts, the voice of dissent has not been silenced by the outbreak of hostilities. Even the tragic deaths of the first British troops in action today is unlikely to diminish the protests.

Tony Blair had hoped the start of war would negate the Stop The War movement. His television address last night acknowledged that the attack on Iraq had divided Britain. But, he said, "I know also the British people will now be united in sending our armed forces our thoughts and prayers".

The peace protesters' reply is encapsulated in the lead letter on this page: that "we are not against them, only against the war to which they have been sent".

Much attention has been focused on the role of children in the protests. Schools in York have reacted in different ways to the disruption and potential dangers posed by these walkouts. Head teachers do not have an easy task keeping control without inflaming already heated emotions.

Many of the teenagers have been motivated to abandon lessons by their genuine belief that this war is wrong. Other pupils have been swept along in the near-hysterical excitement that this has caused.

Either way these children should be made to realise that they will face consequences for their actions, as will any adults who leave work to protest.

We urge all the campaigners, young and old, to stay calm and keep their demonstrations peaceful and responsible. And we would anticipate that the police will then respond in kind, striving to act with restraint in maintaining order and public safety.

The tumultuous scenes on York's streets contrasted sharply with the quiet contemplation of those in York Minster yesterday. At that special service, Dr David Hope prayed for a swift end to the conflict. That is one message we can all rally behind.

Updated: 10:15 Friday, March 21, 2003