The government has admitted US missiles could be sited on British soil as part of President George Bush's controversial missile defence programme - but denied discussions were already under way.

The US have said they want to extend in the future, but there is no particular reason why they have to be in the UK Ministry of Defence

The US has said it wants to site "interceptor" rockets in Northern Europe to shoot down ballistic missiles fired by rogue states.

The plan is part of a "second front" in President Bush's missile defence programme, dubbed "Son of Star Wars".

But the Ministry of Defence denied reports in Thursday's Guardian that "informal discussions" were already under way.

Quoting Whitehall sources, the newspaper claims America is putting pressure on the British government to allow its missiles on British soil.

An MoD spokeswoman told BBC News Online the media was getting "carried away" with speculation about the issue.

She said it was "possible" that US missiles could be sited in Britain, but any decision would be "way off in the future".

"The US have said they want to extend it in the future, but there is no particular reason why they have to be in the UK," she added.

'Disgusted'

The US deployment of cruise missiles in Britain and Germany in the 1980s sparked widespread public protests.

Earlier this week, Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon provoked anger among Labour backbenchers after he said he was "seriously" considering a US request to use RAF Fylingdales as part of the missile defence programme.

The major worry is this whole system is not simply a stepping stone towards the weaponisation of space General Sir Hugh Beach

He said the UK would only agree "if we are satisfied that it will ultimately enhance the security of the UK and the Nato Alliance".

The Conservatives have urged the government to sign up to missile defence without hesitation.

But there is widespread opposition among Labour backbenchers.

Islington North MP Jeremy Corbyn told the Daily Telegraph he was "disgusted" by the UK's support for America.

The Labour CND group has tabled a commons motion condemning missile defence and demanding the UK turn down America's request for help.

A similar motion last year was signed by more than 170 Labour and Liberal Democrat MPs.

Peace campaigners

Liberal Democrat foreign affairs spokesman Menzies Campbell has argued any defence system would have to be underpinned by a non-proliferation regime.

Such a system would also have to be available to all Nato and EU nations, said Mr Campbell.

But peace campaigners are concerned "Son of Star Wars" is part of a wider campaign to extend US military dominance.

Veteran anti-war campaigner General Sir Hugh Beach told the BBC: "In the longer term the major worry is this whole system is not simply a stepping stone towards the weaponisation of space, with a view to the US achieving space dominance above allcomers."