The Government believes going to war against Iraq is a legal rather than moral issue. Here lies the gulf between the Government and the majority of the people.

Most of the population, I think, considers going to modern war such a catastrophic step with so many unpredictable consequences - not least for innocent civilians - that an overwhelming case for it is first required.

On the other hand, a legal issue is much more cerebral, restricted in its implications and arousing in us much less emotion.

While no one has anything but revulsion for the brutality of Saddam Hussein, I doubt whether the Government has reached the level of morally uniting the country for pre-emptive action against Iraq.

-R G Jenkins, Hove