5 APRIL 2003, Page 33

From Blair Gibbs Sir: The opposition's endorsement of this war

has indeed been a tactical error; but there are other arguments than the ones Peter Hitchens gives. They should have avoided all talk of morality and instead focused calmly and pragmatically on national interest. Mr Blair — whose moral crusading and nauseating evangelism are despised by so many — has conveniently grasped the chance for a foreign war to distract attention from inexcusable failings at home. A unique opportunity to unseat the Conservatives' nemesis has been lost. It is just a shame that the knee-jerk atlanticism in the Tory ranks has meant we will once again fail to capitalise on this.

Blair Gibbs Horsham, West Sussex