It was encouraging to see Ivor Caplin MP pictured at the graveside of an unknown First World War soldier (The Argus, November 7).

He said the experience had been "very sobering" and had brought home the "high price paid by Britain" during that war.

This moment of realisation came during one of his official duties as Minister for War Veterans.

The uncomfortable step Mr Caplin now needs to take is to reflect on the high price of all wars and particularly the current one in Iraq.

He should be mindful that the young people sent to the hellish conditions of war are all precious to someone and their loss or mutilation would be devastating to their families.

Mr Caplin's "sobering" experience at Ypres may also help him to realise why his pro-war stance over Iraq appals so many of his constituents.

-Kathy Hackman, Hove