The campaign for a memorial to Britain's women at war is gathering momentum. Yesterday we presented Sir John Mortimer with a petition backing the idea. And today it has received support from an unlikely source: Northern Ireland church leader and politician the Reverend Ian Paisley.

Sir John's response to the presentation was heartening. The playwright, who is chairing the group considering with what to fill the empty plinth in Trafalgar Square, recognised both the validity of the campaign and its widespread support. His tribute to the war work of the "noble women" suggests he has great sympathy with the proposed memorial.

Such a positive reaction might leave campaigners believing they have done all they can. However, the lobbying is far from over. For as long as they are still cogitating, Sir John's committee should be reminded, politely but firmly, of the strength of feeling over this issue.

The crusade may have started in a small way in York, but it has since been championed by the great and the good. The Queen, Princess Anne and Speaker of the House of Commons Betty Boothroyd are among those lending support. MPs of all political hues have spoken in favour of the memorial.

More importantly, the public backs the idea. Women from most British families made a significant contribution to the war effort, whether they were in the services, in the munitions factories or running a household on tiny rations.

That is why so many believe it is a shocking oversight that no national monument exists to Britain's war women; and why they have given generously to the £80,000 fundraising appeal.

That target has nearly been reached. Fifteen sculptors are working on their monumental designs.

All we need now is for the plinth group to join members of the royal family, politicians and the public in saying yes to a Women At War memorial.

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