IT should concern everyone that Labour politicians are already having informal discussions to change the function of Fylingdales without proper scrutiny and open debate.

Son of Star Wars or, as they now sell it, National Missile Defence is to protect America only.

The US continues to stalk the planet with little regard for international law and historic treaties. Bombing and bludgeoning weak countries from a safe distance increases the threat of attack from a 'rogue state'.

The politicians and Americans insist this threat exists, so justifying the billions of pounds on NMD weaponry.

A 'rogue state' would not waste its handful of missiles targeting Yorkshire when in dispute with America. But it might if Fylingdales is used to destroy missiles over the USA.

At a stroke this removes the thousands of potential targets that exist on the American mainland, exposing Fyling-dales as the prime target that can be hit and damage the all-seeing eye of the American military machine.

We already accept Fylingdales - as an early warning station - may be targeted by a large military power. Thankfully restraint has always prevailed when all the combatants are vulnerable because the threat of mutual destruction leads to agreements such as the anti-ballistic missile treaty that America is set to breach.

Our leading politicians are so eager to please President Bush they can't hear the howls of laughter from Capitol Hill as the American military plans to hide behind our women and children firmly placed on their front line.

Alec Featherstone,

Outgang Road, Pickering.

Updated: 10:54 Tuesday, April 10, 2001