WHILE we do not condone the criminal activities of the protestors who broke into the Menwith Hill military base in North Yorkshire, their action has succeeded in bringing important issues to the fore.

Undeniably, there is a great deal of unease about the Stars Wars missile defence programme proposed by the United States, and the role bases like Menwith Hill may play in it.

While those who breached the security cordon yesterday express those concerns with some zeal, others are more restrained, but no less fearful.

The perception is that the Government is prepared to go along with President Bush's missile defence plans, whatever he determines them to be. The perception is that Britain is willing to be America's poodle.

The Government must take decisive action to change that perception.

We hope yesterday's action at Menwith Hill serves to remind the Government of the scale of the concern over the defence programme, and persuades it to undertake a full and frank debate on the issues at stake.

The first priority must be to review security measures.

Menwith Hill is one of the most sensitive military sites in the country, pencilled in as one of the key components of the new defence programme.

The fact that protestors were able to stroll through the front gates with apparent ease yesterday morning, does nothing to allay fears about the future.

Trust betrayed

SOCIETY placed its trust in Martyn Locklin to care for children. He betrayed that trust.

Instead of being concerned for the welfare of some of the most vulnerable young people in our community, he was intent on luring them into his own sordid world.

Such depravity cannot be tolerated. The punishment must fit the crime and act as a deterrent for others like Locklin who find themselves placed in privileged jobs.

The lengthy jail sentence imposed on him yesterday accurately reflects the revulsion for his actions.