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23/02/2007
Britain in talks over US missile defence system
Britain is holding talks with the US about the possibility of putting parts of the 'Son of Star Wars' missile defence system in the UK.
A Downing Street spokesperson confirmed that talks were taking place, but stressed that they were at a very early stage and that no decisions had been made. The spokesperson said that Britain wanted to be kept in consideration as plans for the system were developed and refused to confirm reports in the 'The Economist' that Prime Minister Tony Blair had raised the issue with US President George Bush.
The missile defence system would detect missile launches against the US and destroy them.
Poland and the Czech Republic are also interested in providing location for elements of the system and both countries have been approached by the US regarding the system.
However, the scheme has been criticised, most notably by Russia, which warned that the system could trigger an arms race.
A report in the 'The Economist' said that the Prime Minister believed that hosting the missile system would make Britain safer.
Commenting on the talks, Liberal Democrat defence spokesperson Nick Harvey said: "Any missile defence system that damages the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty would make us less safe, not provide for greater security. It is time that the government started putting the British national interest before the interests of the arms industry and the United States."
(KMcA)
A Downing Street spokesperson confirmed that talks were taking place, but stressed that they were at a very early stage and that no decisions had been made. The spokesperson said that Britain wanted to be kept in consideration as plans for the system were developed and refused to confirm reports in the 'The Economist' that Prime Minister Tony Blair had raised the issue with US President George Bush.
The missile defence system would detect missile launches against the US and destroy them.
Poland and the Czech Republic are also interested in providing location for elements of the system and both countries have been approached by the US regarding the system.
However, the scheme has been criticised, most notably by Russia, which warned that the system could trigger an arms race.
A report in the 'The Economist' said that the Prime Minister believed that hosting the missile system would make Britain safer.
Commenting on the talks, Liberal Democrat defence spokesperson Nick Harvey said: "Any missile defence system that damages the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty would make us less safe, not provide for greater security. It is time that the government started putting the British national interest before the interests of the arms industry and the United States."
(KMcA)
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