18 December 2002
Revolt over 'Star Wars' base in UK
By Toby Helm,
Chief Political Correspondent, Daily Telegraph

The Government was facing a large-scale rebellion by Labour MPs last night after saying it would take "very seriously" a formal request from Washington to take part in the "Son of Star Wars" missile defence system.

Geoff Hoon, the Defence Secretary, told MPs that America had asked Britain to upgrade the early warning radar station at RAF Fylingdales in North Yorkshire to improve missile defence for Europe and the US.

Ministry of Defence officials also confirmed that the US might ask for new interceptor sites to be built in Britain to shoot down ballistic missiles fired by rogue states.

Mr Hoon told MPs Washington would be prepared "to extend missile defence coverage and make missile defence capabilities available to the UK as the evolution of the US system permits".

The Flyingdales early warning system in North Yorkshire He added: "The Government will now consider the US request very seriously, agreeing to it only if we are satisfied that it will ultimately enhance the security of the UK and the Nato alliance."

Jeremy Corbyn, Labour MP for Islington North, said he was "disgusted" by Britain's interest in backing the US. He added: I have been asking questions for two years about expenditure on Fylingdales and have been told nothing."

The Labour CND group will table a Commons motion today condemning missile defence and demanding that Britain does not take part.

Last year more than 170 Labour and Liberal Democrat MPs signed a similar motion.