IF the government is privy to intelligence that shows a real threat to us froma Sadam Hussein then action is justified - following a fuller weapons inspection. (Leaders do not give all the answers before a possible conflict- can you imagine Churchill having done so in world war 2?) But it had better be very good evidence before dragging us in with the US. We could be making a very grave error - time will tell.
Tony Mason, Cumbria

yes it should,we have the one of the best forces in the world wether i am being biased or not, and think that it would be for our benefit if it used anyway.
rachel, Malton

son of star wars isnt going to benefit the uk its gonna benefit usa - do u see bush helping ne1 else? no didnt think so and my last msg hasnt posted - lets force ppl to vote
exiled blue, brid/whitby

While N.Korea develops nukes and we are absolutely in the dark on terrorist capabilities, some sort of defence is a good idea. I strongly dislike Blair's cosying up to the USA, as it simply humiliates us and distracts us from domestic issues. But I dont think blair is stupid: Fylingdales will go ahead only if it benefits Britain, I am quite sure.
MC Nigel, Londontown

The UK should not subscribe to the US 'Son of Star Wars' system. The proposed system at best may help to protect the USA. It will not defend the UK or Europe unless a new array of anti-ballistic missile missiles are established at Eastern European borders. It is unlikely that any of our allies or the Eastern Block countries would agree to that.

So the question arises - what is the benefit to the UK or Europe? I believe the answer is none. The UK government would do better to restrict US military activities as a bargaining chip in trying to prevent the USA from destabilising the current fragile world peace especially as the US is many years from having working technology to implement its defence shield.

The current proposals for 'Son of Star Wars' are making many countries even more concerned that no-one can control the US in its attempts to limit the actions of governments outside of its influence.
Mike, Yo! rk

Exiled blue, if you think we should have a referendum, look at the poll results and I think you'll find there are more people in favour than not!!
Rob, Leeming

"Remember, they are DEFENCE systems, not offence" Jaypee, Harrogate well thank you for pointing that out.... but we are not american so we have no defence there. it is RAF Fylingdales but its run by the usa. the usa need protection especially wen the terrorist is off 2 bomb suddam over the oil disputes (thats what it widdles down to) has anyone got a nuclear bunker they wish to share?? answers on a postcard please... lol i would encourage you to write to mr bush - but i dont think he can read. Back to fylingdales... all in favour say aye. and lets have a referendum
exiled blue, brid / whitby

Fylingdales was a part of the Cold War scene known as M.A.D. (mutually assured destruction), that threat has now passed and none of the so called rogue states have the same capability as the former Soviet Union. The so called upgrade has but one aim, to protect America against all comers, they have Radar invisible aircraft and by now almost certainly radar invisible missiles. The plot is obvious, an impregnable fortress with a massive armed capability, in other words, global domination, with the U.K. as the ever faithful hound living off the scraps as our reward. We already have global terrorism and most of it results from the activities of America, oppression of one Nation in favour of another to suit their aims. Whatever happened to the free world, should we re-name the Solar System - Sun-Mercury-Venus-America-Mars...... Incidentally, you can be sure that this forum, together with all the others is being monitered at Menwith Hill.
Bob , Thirsk

These people who travel to our area for the purpose of protesting from outside the Fylingdales radar station would do well to consider that: 1. If it were not for stations such as Fylingdales, offering us the protection from potential enemies, they would not be living in a country which permits them their political demonstrations. The potentially dangerous nations have next to no human rights adherance. If a citizen of those countries, these protestors would be locked away, (if they were lucky)and the key thrown away. 2. Fyligdales is nothing more than a radar station. It monitors our safety from 300 miles to 3,000 miles distant and not just 'missiles' but space bourne objects too. I have no 'love' for the Americans, but we are all part of the 'West' and a common protection can only benefit everyone - even the 'peace people'.
Richard, Scarborough

The Fylingdales station has been established for many years as a tracking station why should there be objections now when it will probably only'update'what it is already doing?
John, York

The defence systems at both Fylingdales and Menwith Hill are vital to the safety of Britain and Europe, and probably the Western world.Remember, they are DEFENCE systems, not offence.From a purely personal point of view, I welcome the fact that we have them, we would be far more vunerable to attack without them. To the NIMBY's, I say that you must have a very large back garden, as both stations are in the middle of nowhere!
Jaypee, Harrogate

We are talking about achieving peace and stability for the world and anything we can do, we should do. Have we forgotten the 1938/45 war? It all sounds like a reply of Hitler v Camberlain and we all know how that ended. This talk of war would not be happening now had France and Germany allowed Margaret Thatcher to finish the job in 1991. It would be different story if the terrorists blew up the Eifel Tower or the Brandenburg Gate. NO sane person wants war but bullies have to be stood up to. The pacifists who argue for Iraq should go and live in Iraq.
Soulmate, North Yorkshire

i dont think that bushy should be allowed to use our stations for his use. The war on terrorism should start with him resigning as mr bush himself is a terrorist. we had more or a risk with the real IRA until we were linked with america. The shield will only sheild one counntry - and that isnt the uk. do you think bush cares for anyone else than himself? america do not rule the world and i think if all countries united against him - he may be forced to turn to iraq for help.
exiled blue, brid & whitby

As I have already said. It is called RAF Fylingdales and is currently manned by RAF personnel and a handful of USAF personnel. I know this because I am in the RAF. People, get your facts right.
Rob White, Leeming, N.Yorks