IN response to G Langdon (July 20), I stated in my letter of July 9 that the Green Party was the only party from the beginning opposed to the Iraq War - and I stick to it.

When the Stop The War Coalition was formed, the Greens were an integral part of it.

Caroline Lucas (Green MEP) and Darren Johnson spoke on many a demonstration and rally platform.

This does not apply to the Lib Dems.

Opposition to the war was started many months before war was declared, and although Charles Kennedy was present on the one million-strong demonstration, this was a long time after campaigning against the war was in full flow.

To their credit, the Lib Dems did, as we know, vote against military action in the Commons.

But when the decision was taken to go to war, the Lib Dems seemed to go quiet.

Their opposition only resumed during the Euro and local elections.

Tribute must go to the Respect candidates, who contested the elections after being formed out of the coalition and deciding early in the year to stand as a political party.

Their principled position must be applauded.

Alan Johnson

Bolton Green Party

Church Avenue

Daubhill