I WAS dismayed to learn that on May 20, Ryedale District Council apparently voted to support a motion calling on the Government to withdraw UK troops from Iraq.

Whatever one's view of the correctness of the original decision to commit our armed forces to Iraq, the fact is that we are there and we are working to bring stability and order to that unhappy country.

If we don't see through the task that we, along with our coalition partners, have started, we shall fail not only the Iraqis but also our own brave servicemen and women.

We shall also look ridiculous in the eyes of the world.

In proposing the motion, I can only assume this is what Coun Clark wishes.

But why did the Liberal Democrat councillors on Ryedale District Council support such a motion?

My understanding of national Lib Dem policy is that, while calling for a change in UK policy on Iraq, the party has stopped short of demanding the withdrawal of troops. Indeed, I believe the party has even said that should commanders on the ground request troop reinforcements, they should be sent.

However, the people who won't be impressed with these political gestures are our servicemen and women in Iraq who are entitled to expect the nation's support in their highly dangerous and difficult work in Basra and other areas of southern Iraq.

County Councillor Murray Naylor,

Huttons Ambo,

York.

Updated: 11:15 Thursday, May 27, 2004