AT a time when we are remembering those millions on all sides who fought and died in the First World War and subsequent wars, many of whom were just out of school, I was quite dismayed and saddened to see in your report 'Battle won for recruits' on October 30 a photo showing schoolboys proudly holding lethal weapons capable of killing other human beings.
I feel sure that these youngsters can have no real idea or understanding of warfare or of the ethical issues involved. I certainly did not when, as a child in the 1950s, I played games with toy soldiers and with guns, read war comics and watched war films and thought of joining the armed forces.
We all deplore the immorality of the recruitment of child soldiers in many conflicts around the world which is against International law.
I wish the UK government would again reconsider its refusal to raise the recruitment age from 16 to 18 years. No other country in Europe, no NATO state and no other permanent member of the UN Security Council recruits from the age of 16. Fewer than 20 states do and these include Iran and North Korea.
Michael Pozner
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article