IF there are doubters as to the reasons behind the Bush-Blair coalition for war in Iraq, they need look no further than the stated National Energy Policy (NEP), which outlines the energy crisis facing the USA.

The oil needed for transport and industry accounts for 90 per cent of American net energy imports, so it is not surprising that the NEP warns of a "fundamental imbalance between supply and demand, which will inevitably undermine our economy, our standard of living and our national security".

The report further states: "Our growing dependence on oil imports is a serious long-term challenge. The economic security of our nation will remain closely tied to global oil market developments". So there we have it, straight from the horse's mouth! With Iraq sitting on half the world's oil, we do not need a PhD to draw the correct conclusion.

Our Prime Minister should sever this cord of so-called "coalition", which is rejected not only by the majority of the electorate, but by the vast majority of the world's nations, and he should spend more time at home improving the chaos of transport, education, the NHS, social services and housing.

ELIZABETH TEBBS