YOUR report "Anti-war protesters in High Court battle" raises worrying issues about civil liberties.

Gloucestershire police far exceeded their powers in detaining peaceful anti-war protesters going to the Fairford air base and nationally the "war against terror" is being used to muzzle protest. The illegal detention by our supposed ally, the United States, of prisoners in Guantanamo Bay is an affront to international law and justice.

Britain has her own Guantanamo Bay at Bellmarshe Prison where at least 12 prisoners are held without charge or trial. Home Secretary David Blunkett is leaving former Home Secretary Michael Howard in the shade with regard to introducing measures to stifle legitimate dissent.

BILL HUGHES

Goddard Avenue