Missile Defence: A Public Discussion Paper

This discussion paper examines the growing threat posed by the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery.

It then considers possible responses to this potential threat, and whether missile defence is an appropriate addition to the range of responses available.

To inform this consideration, it sets out technical details of how American and other programmes might provide a means of defending against ballistic missile attack, and reviews some of the policy issues which the UK will need to address in coming to decisions on missile defence.

It seeks above all to provide a foundation for a deeper debate of the issues concerned.