31 JANUARY 2004, Page 30

From Peter Toynbee Sir: I hold no brief for Ms

Hendessi, but must protest at Ross Clark's comments. To say that 'many women's pressure groups were vociferous in their opposition to war in Iraq, and by implication would presumably prefer it were Saddam still in power' is offensive and stupid. I have many friends and acquaintances who opposed the war, but am certain that not one of them wishes that Saddam were still in power.

Peter Toynbee

Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire