So, the propaganda has begun, particularly on the BBC.

Now will be wheeled out, both on radio and TV, various "war experts" who will attempt to convince us of how decently we will prosecute the invasion of Iraq, ensuring civilian casualties are "kept to a minimum" by our smart bombs and missiles and bullets that know the difference between soldier and civilian.

What is an acceptable minimum - one member of each Iraqi family, ten per cent of any town's population? Try explaining that to the survivors.

Why didn't we keep the casualties to zero by continuing with diplomacy and weapons inspectors, as advocated by almost every civilised nation?

I apologise to the Iraqi people that the Government has chosen to engage you in military conflict and wish you peace and survival.

-Robert Walker, Oathill Road, Haywards Heath