Passport To Ringmer

Paul and Berta Busby's have declared their home independent of UK foreign policy in a protest against war on Iraq.

In the original film, the London district of Pimlico breaks away from British rule.

Paul and Berta's home in Ballard Drive, Ringmer, may not have its own language, currency, flag or border controls.

But they wanted to assert their independence from the support for military action shown by Prime Minister Tony Blair and Foreign Secretary Jack Straw.

Paul, 57, and Berta, 60, have drawn up a manifesto promoting peace and justice for all.

The pair also plan to write to the Foreign Office confirming their position and are urging others to follow their example.

Paul said: "We feel what is being said by Blair and Straw is not representative of most people's views in this country and we don't want any part of it.

"It would be a disaster for our own country. We are being made to look stupid across the world and it would only make terrorist attacks more likely.

"It would also be terrible for the Iraqi people. Thousands are likely to be killed or become homeless."

Paul chaired a group called Lewes Links With Eastern Europe between 1990 and 1995, which promoted harmony with the states emerging from behind the Iron Curtain.

He said: "It showed peaceful relations between countries can be achieved and are the right way forward."

Chris Osmond, of Sussex Action For Peace, applauded the couple's gesture. He said: "It is a wonderful thing to do as a show of resistance.

"The Foreign Office's policy on Iraq is a murderous one so we really do need people to apply a backlash to give the Government a wake-up call."

Residents in another part of Sussex declared themselves the Independent State of Cuckfield in 1965, issuing their own passports, stamps and currency.

The organisation raises funds and campaigns on local issues.

Phyl Bowring, president of the independent state, said: "I can't say I approve of the war myself but we don't really have our own foreign policy."