FEBRUARY 15 saw Britain's and the world's largest-ever political demonstration, called to protest against the threatened war against Iraq by British and US governments.

Among the thousands of people were people from Blackburn and Darwen and delegates from our Trades Union Council.

Yet Blackburn's MP, Jack Straw, as the Foreign Minister is one of the world's most prominent advocates of this unprovoked, illegal war.

Jack Straw has stated that he not only represents his constituents, but also takes notice of them. Well, he has not been taking notice of them over the last six months and he certainly is not taking notice of them at the moment.

Recently, there have been more job losses announced in our locality. Blackburn, Darwen and the surrounding area depend heavily on manufacturing. It plays a vital role in our economy, and yet it is not given the support it so desperately needs by the Government. Areas of the town suffer sub-standard housing, while public transport is woefully inadequate. Vital public services across Lancashire, including old people's care homes, are threatened due to lack of funding.

Yet unbelievably, Mr Straw's colleague Gordon Brown has allocated an initial £1.75billion in preparation for the bombing and invasion of a sovereign country that poses no threat to Britain or its people. Apart from the cost in terms of Iraqi -- and perhaps British lives -- it is estimated that a five-year occupation of Iraq will cost in the region of £32billion. Shouldn't this money be spent on supporting our manufacturing industry and providing jobs and services?

In his obsessive propagation of war, Jack Straw is failing his constituents, whose concerns are about jobs, good housing, education and hospitals.

He, alongside Tony Blair, is out of step with Labour Party members, with trade union members, and most of all, his constituents.

IAN GALLAGHER (Secretary) and JOHN MURPHY (President),

Blackburn and District Trades Council, Tontine Street, Blackburn.