Labour's rank-and-file is bombarding the party's HQ with demands for a full debate on the US's national missile defence system at the annual conference which is set to be held in just over a fortnight's time.

Downing Street is desperate to avoid a public skirmish over the plan at such a crucial time in Anglo-US relations.

Doubts still remain about whether the conference will go ahead at all - with the final decision resting with David Blunkett.

The Lib Dems gather for their annual conference this weekend - where Charles Kennedy's speech will be brought forward to the first day in a move which "will set the tone" for the week.