I am writing in response to your article about the weapons firm EDO and the ongoing protest at its Moulscoombe factory.

I have been demonstrating peacefully outside EDO since I heard about its role in the Iraq war a year or so ago.

In that time, I have seen and taken part in road blockades, as well as rooftop and noise protests. I have never seen violence directed at any employee and each time I was there, found the protests to be good natured and full of humane spirit.

It is sad the police believe they need to spend time and resources dedicated to us as I believe if left alone, no person or property would come to harm. Certainly that would not be the intent of myself or anyone I know involved in the campaign against EDO.

I am not an anarchist, as protesters at events like these are often labelled.

I am a peaceful citizen who trying to raise awareness about peace-related issues through teaching music, running singing workshops and playing music to children and those with special needs, while protesting when I have the time.

I feel it is a gross hypocrisy that Brighton, being a peace messenger city, has a weapons factory in its midst and an even bigger contradiction the council choosing to ignore this fact.

It is easy to say it does not matter but this factory is a link in a terrible chain of suffering, which sees many people killed or maimed.

Outside the factory, I seek to make employees fully aware of their actions - for their own well being and for that of others. If I can help disrupt their murderous business, that's a bonus.

But I am not their to break the law or harass people. I am there to pray and no injunction will keep me away.

-Matt Kemp, Brighton