PRESIDENT George Bush says that his missile defence plans are in "the interests for peace in the world". The rest of the world thinks differently.

Son of Star Wars will "strengthen global security" he says. The rest of the world believes it will do the exact opposite.

But what does President Bush care? He has already demonstrated his contempt for international opinion by unilaterally abandoning the Kyoto agreement on global warming.

Now he is intent on ripping up the 1972 Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) treaty. First he threatens the global environment, then he threatens world peace. Not bad for a little over 100 days in office.

President Bush said he intends to consult his allies closely. But this consultation is almost meaningless when he has signalled a blind determination to press ahead with the missile system come what may.

This is bad news for the world, and very bad news for this corner of it. The ABM treaty secured peace by ensuring that neither side could survive a nuclear war. A US defence system would wreck this careful balance. President Bush has fired the starting pistol on a new arms race.

Washington has already annoyed China by selling arms to Taiwan. The spy plane crisis further soured relations. Beijing is expected to respond to this latest aggressive act by increasing its nuclear arsenal. Russia and India may do the same.

Some of these missiles will be pointed at North Yorkshire if President Bush gets his way and uses RAF Fylingdales as an early warning radar station. Tony Blair is keeping suspiciously quiet about this sensitive issue before the election. His silence suggests he may be ready to acquiesce to Washington's demands.

It is hard to see what individuals can do in the face of such hostile global forces. But we must not be apathetic. Every person who stands up in protest against the plans makes it that little bit more awkward for the powers-that-be to steamroller ahead.

Jordan's triumph

SIR Steven Redgrave received his knighthood yesterday, to add to his haul of five Olympic gold medals. But his achievements are rivalled by the astonishing story of young Jordan Kot.

Jordan's medal tally is one short of Sir Steven's, although his four golds were won at a single, county-wide gymnastic tournament.

What elevates this feat from the remarkable to the near-miraculous is that Jordan suffered a stroke only six months ago.

His sporting success is nothing other than inspirational. If ten-year-olds could receive knighthoods, Sir Jordan would be at the front of the queue.

Updated: 12:10 Wednesday, May 02, 2001