Sylvia Harwood (Letters, March 28) urges us to "fly the flag". Our armed forces are courageous men and woman trained to fight in war.

They and their families are all too aware of the risks of injury and loss of life and are willing to make this sacrifice in order to defend our country.

It has not been shown that the Iraqi regime, deplorable though it is, poses any immediate threat to Britain.

The war in Iraq serves US economic and political interests under the thinly disguised smokescreen of a war against international terrorism.

It is shameful our troops are sacrificing their lives in this cause.

The invasion of Iraq and attempt at regime change will provoke and motivate attempted terrorist attacks in Britain and it is unforgivable the Government has been prepared to enter into a war, justified on moral grounds, that puts at risk the safety of its own people at home.

Spare a thought for Iraqi soldiers and their families. As a conscripted army, many will not have had the choice to fight and know they are under the command of a ruthless dictator who will willingly send thousands to their deaths in any last-ditch attempt to hold on to power.

-Richard Borkum, South Street, Brighton