Britain was today formally agreeing to America's request to use the Fylingdales early warning station for its controversial national missile defence system, Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon told MPs.

Mr Hoon said he was ''satisfied that we have been able to take fully into account the views of all interested parties in coming to a decision''.

In a written Commons statement he added: ''I am therefore today replying to the United States Secretary of Defence Donald Rumsfeld, conveying the Government's agreement to the US request.'' .