16 April 2008

Barrett calls for urgent debate on missile shield

John Barrett, Liberal Democrat MP for Edinburgh West, today called on Gordon Brown to honour promises to allow parliament to debate controversial proposals for US missile defences systems to be sited in the UK.

Mr Barrett made the comments ahead of the Prime Ministers summit with George Bush tomorrow (Thursday), at which he is expected to discuss defence and security issues.

John Barrett said:

“The Prime Minister is again meeting President Bush to discuss security issues, yet his unwillingness to allow proper debate on the whether we want US missile defence components in this country smacks of arrogance. 

“MPs were promised a debate on missile defence by Tony Blair, but Gordon Brown rushed out plans to site US missile defence installations in England on the last day of Parliament.

“NATO has discussed it, Brown and Bush are discussing it again, and yet Parliament has so far been denied the opportunity.

“Rather than cosy chats with foreign leaders, Gordon Brown must allow a full debate on Britain’s role in the US missile defence programme.”