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MP's Question Yorkshire Star Wars

John Battle, Labour MP for Leeds West, joined Yorkshire MPs to demand a debate on US ‘star wars’ missile defences in Yorkshire.

“We are concerned that the United States is likely to request use of Menwith Hill and Fylingdales as part of its proposed ‘star wars’ missile defence system,” said Mr Battle. “That could make the bases and the people who live near them targets if the US is attacked.”

“This would directly affect the people of Yorkshire, and I think their representatives should get the chance to say so in a Parliamentary debate,” added Mr Battle. “We are calling on the Government to schedule a debate urgently.”

Yorkshire Labour MPs John Battle (Leeds West), Harold Best (Leeds North West), Michael Clapham (Barnsley West & Penistone, Ann Cryer (Keighley), David Hinchcliffe (Wakefield), Eric Illsey (Barnsley Central), Alice Mahon (Halifax), and Chris McCafferty (Calder Valley) have all signed Early Day Motion 1279 calling for an urgent Parliamentary debate with Ministers.

Ministers say that the USA have not requested use of the Yorkshire bases, and no decision will be made unless or until they do.

Early Day Motion 1279 Use of Menwith Hill and Fylingdales was tabled by Alice Mahon.
“That this House notes the death of the ABM treaty in mid-June owing to USA withdrawal and recognises that the United States Government is now free to request use of Menwith Hill and Fylingdales as part of its proposed missile defence system; further notes that any use of these bases for a missile defence system will directly affect the people of the United Kingdom and that as yet their representatives have had no chance to express their views on the proposals in parliament; and urges the United Kingdom Government to call an urgent debate in the House before any such system is considered.”

Menwith Hill is near Harrogate; Fylingdales is on the North York Moors.