Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon has faced questions in York over the future role of the Fylingdales early warning station in North Yorkshire.

He was at the centre for early music, Walmgate, to answer questions from an audience over the American request to use the facility for the Son of Star Wars missile defence project.

The defence chief took questions from an invited audience alongside the city's Labour MP Hugh Bayley.

However, those opposed to the facility being utilised for the project described the meeting a "a whitewash" and believe the missile defence shield is settled.

Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon answered questions in York

The minister told the meeting: "What's important is that we consider the American request in terms of what is in the interest of the UK and the safety of its people and I assure you that will be the decision the government makes."

But Denise Craghill, of Yorkshire CND, told BBC Radio York: "I think the meeting was tokenistic.

"There should be further debate across North Yorkshire - it's a whitewash."