NOT a day goes by without some reference to the York Against War movement in the Press.

Fair play to all those who belong to this movement, but do they actually believe that protesting in the city centre and collecting names on a petition is going to influence a decision for military action?

On receiving a petition does anybody in Government actually sit down and read all the names? I doubt it.

Do Saddam Hussein and all the other cranks out there know you are campaigning to stop a war and, more to the point, do they actually care?

I doubt it.

If a nuclear device or gas attack is ever unleashed on York do you think that because you have signed a petition or demonstrated against military action your life will be saved?

I doubly doubt it.

There is nothing you, or I, can do on this subject so let the people who we elected to run this country sort it out one way or another.

PR Willey,

Burnholme Drive,

Heworth,

York.

...LAST week once again a Royal Naval and Fleet Air Arm Task Force sailed for ports and dangers unknown.

The British do not wear their hearts on their sleeves, but do care.

On behalf of us all, The Royal Naval Association wishes Commander Powell and the ship's company of HMS York, and the remainder of the Task Force, "God speed, safe sailing and a safe anchorage when all is done".

Amen.

Bernard Hallas,

The Royal Naval Association,

Hawthorne Avenue,

Haxby,

York.

Updated: 11:42 Friday, January 17, 2003