Soldier Michael Kelly, 22, from Worthing, returned from duty in Basra and urged peace activists to support British forces serving on the front line in Iraq.

Today we ask: "Is it a betrayal of our troops to protest against this war?"

NO

Glen Williams is a spokesman for Sussex Action For Peace, which has campaigned against military action in Iraq.

  • 'Whether people protest or not, a huge majority in this country and certainly the rest of the world believe the war in Iraq is illegal, immoral and a huge mistake.

Many, including myself, are disgusted at the way the country was lied to in order to support the foolish military adventures of the US.

It was a mistake which has developed into a catastrophe. The fact many military families are at the forefront of the anti-war movement and military leaders such as General Sir Michael Jackson have been openly critical of the war and its progress shows the unprecedented situation the UK Government has placed itself, and us, in.

If it was wrong before the troops went in, it is wrong now they are there and to not continue to speak out against it would be dishonest and cowardly.

If soldiers really believed what they were doing was right then they would not be affected by any dissent or protests back in the UK.

To me the fact that it is causing unease among troops suggests they are uneasy themselves about what they are doing.

The logic that just because the troops are now in Iraq then no one should speak out against the war is dangerous and can only lead to escalation and more deaths. Unfortunately many people including politicians are still convinced by this tragic logic which to me seems outdated in modern times.

These are mostly people who don't know Iraqis or who don't have family serving in the forces or who just don't care. They support the war and "our boys" because it is the easier option and because most of the popular Press also supports the war while glossing over the real truth behind it.

It is the British Government which has betrayed the British Forces and it is the Government which betrays them when they return to the UK injured or traumatised.

Many will find themselves on the streets or unsupported with mental problems.

Many soldiers and their families are as much victims of this military and political disaster as the hundreds of thousands of Iraqi victims.

I suspect even those who still doggedly support the war and still believe it was the right thing to do are fully aware it is unwinnable.

So do we support our troops by sending more and more out there to meet their deaths or do we carry on speaking out against the war and get the troops back home as soon as possible?

Many countries have bowed to the pressure of the people and withdrawn their troops. This is the best way to support them. To leave them there is the real betrayal.'

YES

  • Worthing councillor and former mayor, Major Tom Wye, MBE, 64, left the Army ten years ago after nearly 40 years' service. He was president of the Combined Ex-Servicemen's Association for three years and is now a life member.

Betrayal is too strong a word and I wouldn't say that.

Sometimes the protests are a little misguided and I wish the protesters would consider the feelings of the troops. I would never want to see the British people or Press gagged - free speech is sacred - but they should think about the troops on the ground who could be engaged in serious fighting.

It is difficult and people need to balance everything. The troops don't have a choice. Protesting against Parliament is one thing.

Protesting against the military is totally different.

Everyone has different views on the Iraq war. I'm on the record as saying that when the war had started, all the debates were done and dusted. The entire country should be behind the troops and I stand by that now.

The troops are not leaving so we need to support them.

The anti-war brigade has taken over, if you like, and say the troops are being slaughtered.

Don't knock the troops on the ground. They are doing their duty and by all accounts - I'm still in contact with several people serving - are doing a fantastic job.

I served for 37 years so I know what it is like. We used to get the papers once a week. Soldiers now get them every day and have access to the internet.

Of course it demoralises the troops when people are saying they are throwing their lives away. If you had just lost a friend how would that make you feel?

You have to balance that with people's right to protest. I'm sure the troops are mature enough to understand that but it's difficult when you see adverse publicity.

Whether it is a just war or not, they have been sent out there by a democratically elected Government.

It is natural for them to want the support of the British public and it has an adverse effect if they do not.

The troops are professionals, representatives of our elected Government. The country should be proud of them.'

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