Letter: Nato's global role

Sir: Robin Cook is once more showing ("Germany and US split over role for Nato" , 9 December) that the UK has neither an independent nor an ethical foreign policy. His "me too-ism" behind the US is becoming automatic. The further expansion of Nato into a US global military force is a dangerous, destabilising policy. China and South Africa, among others, have already voiced strong opposition.

Nuclear-armed Nato has nothing to do with nuclear so-called deterrence, but everything to do with proliferation. By reiterating that nuclear weapons are needed for defence, the nuclear weapons states are creating the ideal climate for proliferation. Thus the decline into further danger this year with India and Pakistani nuclear testing while Israel, Iran and others are stealthily getting on with development.

We need a Nato policy which will contribute to the stability of the world. Backing the German call for a policy of no first use of nuclear weapons would be a sound first step.

RAE STREET

Littleborough, Lancashire