I HAVE just read in the Lancashire Evening Telegraph that there is talk of sending troops of the Queen's Lancashire Regiment back to Iraq to "fill the hole" left by the Americans.

The British army, made up of proud historic regiments, is only a small but very professional, highly trained force and represents a small and equally proud group of countries.

We offered assistance to help overthrow the evil dictatorship in Iraq for the sake of ordinary, decent Iraqi people, unlike some countries who pulled out at the first sign of trouble.

British forces have helped stabilise southern Iraq in a fair, professional manner, gaining further respect for our ability to be firm but fair.

To expect our forces to now go in and clean up the mess left by American forces who see us only as a "soft friendly mop and broom brigade", is totally out of order. To actually be under American command is nothing short of suicidal.

We are a different people with different values, friends maybe, but you can only stretch friendship so far.

Mr Blair has my respect as a fair minded man of principle, he should point out to Bush and his "handlers" across the Atlantic that we are British. If Bush doesn't understand that, does he deserve to be re-elected?

In the meantime, keep our regiments back home with their loved ones for Christmas and as for the unfortunate British forces stuck in that blood-soaked hell hole, come safely home with pride.

M JERRARD, Padiham.