DEFENCE Secretary Geoff Hoon says the Government is minded to agree to the US request for Fylingdales to be used in its Star Wars military deployment (January 15).

For public consumption the Government is referring to Star Wars as a missile defence system. But it is much more than that and has far- reaching implications for Britain and the international community.

Mr Hoon's statement comes in the middle of a consultation process initiated by the Government. Its timing is clearly determined by the Government's realisation that it is losing the argument.

MPs, Labour Party members, the military, civil servants and the public are all questioning the rationale of Britain becoming involved in Star Wars.

The concept of missile defence is only one part of Star Wars weapons deployment. The aim of Star Wars is for the US to achieve "full spectrum military dominance' of land, sea, air and space to protect US national and commercial interests".

To achieve this they are developing space-based nuclear and laser weapons. Also, the US is committed to a policy of pre-emptive defence which allows them to justify attacking any nation they suspect may be a threat either militarily or commercially.

Most of the world's nations will see the US's weapons deployment and withdrawal from treaties as extremely threatening. Some will feel they must respond to this threat by increasing their weapons development. This will start another arms race.

Other groups may respond with terrorist tactics against Fylingdales and Menwith Hill. This will result in increased risk to people in the surrounding areas and a general curtailment of civil liberties.

Star Wars represents the worst of 20th century thinking and has no place in the 21st century.

Keith Mollison,

Fylingdales Action Network,

Wellington Terrace,

Whitby.

Updated: 11:42 Friday, January 17, 2003