AS a newcomer to the West Country, I welcomed the opportunity of attending the lobby of West Devon?s MP, Mr John Burnett, organised by the Tavistock Peace Action Group on Saturday.
The lobby was a forum at which the residents of Tavistock could inform Mr Burnett of their feelings on the government?s plan to invade Iraq.
My first disappointment was quantity: the originally advertised two-hour lobby had to be halved due to another engagement, indicating that ?War on Iraq? doesn?t appear to be high on my MP?s agenda.
My second disappointment was quality: I have come to the conclusion that there must be a secret training camp where MPs learn how to professionally ?waffle? and John Burnett is very good at it!
Although he spoke for over an hour many questions didn?t get answered ? including specific questions regarding the UN Charter and the illegality of this war.
That said, I think the message got across. The 80-strong audience were unanimous in saying they don?t want to go to war ? now John Burnett?s job is to pass on our feelings in the House of Commons. Let?s hope he does ? there is still time to stop this madness.
Geri Laithwaite
Bannawell Street
Tavistock