YORK MP Hugh Bayley today backed RAF Fylingdales' involvement in Son Of Star Wars - provided Britain would be protected as well as America.

The Labour MP's declaration of support comes days after Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon visited the North York Moors base and York to discuss George Bush's controversial missile defence project.

Mr Bayley said he was aware that his stance would result in flak from some members of his party in York.

But it was not his job to "sway with the wind" but to look at the issues in detail, work out the consequences and ensure the public was protected.

Mr Bayley said: "If the Americans agree to expand the scope of missile defence to provide protection for Britain as well as the U.S., we should agree to the American use of Fylingdales."

He told the Evening Press he had listened to what Mr Hoon had said in York, and also what he had told him down in Westminster.

There were three key issues. One was whether in the next 20 years, there might be people who might wish to use missiles against Britain. "I am afraid the only answer is yes.

"The next question is: Can the missile defence protect us against such weapons if they were launched at Britain? The answer, I think, is yes.

"Thirdly, will the Americans use the missile defence system to protect the UK?

"I do not know the answer to that, but if the Americans will agree to protect the UK and our allies in Europe, we should co-operate with them."

He said the system would be costly, but the Americans would be paying for it.

He said that he had requested the Defence Select Committee to look at Fylingdales involvement in Son Of Star Wars a year ago, and its visit to North Yorkshire next week was partially a result of that.

He hoped the Government would not make a decision on the American request until the committee had given its verdict.

Updated: 12:24 Friday, January 10, 2003