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Lobby your MP - Debate on US Missile Defence

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I am writing to ask you to urge the government to allow a full debate in the House of Commons on British involvement in the US Missile Defence system and the implications for British and European security.
	The US proposals are creating increased tensions with Russia, whilst the bilateral negotiations with the Czech Republic and Poland are of concern to other European states who feel their security is being compromised without consultation.
	I am very concerned that at this time of increased instability, Britain’s involvement has not been subject to effective scrutiny. When questions were raised about decisions on US Missile Defence being made behind closed doors the former Prime Minister Tony Blair said, “I am sure that we will have the discussion in the House and, indeed, outside the House when we reach the point at a which a proposition can be put before people. When we have a proposition to put, we will come back and put it.”
	However in July 2007, the decision to allow the allocation of the Menwith Hill military base in Yorkshire to the US Missile Defence system was announced without warning to the Commons, on the day before the summer recess. Subsequently, in November last year, the former Defence Secretary Des Browne argued that a consultation was not necessary because a parliamentary debate had been held in January 2003. In fact, that debate was about the use of RAF Fylingdales, not RAF Menwith Hill.
	It is my belief that the decision to allocate a further military base without prior discussion even with MPs, together with the increased tension between the US and Russia, not only over US Missile Defence but also over the expansion of NATO, means that a full debate - and the opportunity to raise concerns about US Missile Defence - is necessary.
	I hope you will raise this matter with both the Foreign Secretary and Defence Secretary. I would also urge you to sign EDM 65, entitled Parliament and Decisions over US Missile Defence, if you have not already done so.
	Yours,

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