News
Labour split over Brawdy defence project as Eluned Morgan calls for project halt
Henry Tufnell backs DARC radar scheme as First Minister calls for plans to be halted over concerns about the USA
A LABOUR split has emerged over the proposed Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability project at Brawdy, with Henry Tufnell MP publicly backing the scheme after First Minister Eluned Morgan called for it to be paused.
Mr Tufnell said the DARC project could be a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” for Pembrokeshire, after Ms Morgan argued that the AUKUS-linked development should be halted while the United States is proving to be an unreliable ally.
The proposed Ministry of Defence scheme would see 27 large parabolic radar dishes installed at Cawdor Barracks, Brawdy, to track satellites and space debris in high Earth orbit. The Pembrokeshire site would form part of a wider joint programme involving the UK, the USA and Australia.

Ms Morgan, who is Labour’s candidate for Ceredigion Penfro as well as First Minister, had said the plan should be paused in light of what she described as Donald Trump’s hostility towards the UK and concerns over American foreign policy.
But Mr Tufnell, the Labour MP for Mid and South Pembrokeshire, has now struck a very different tone, saying the scheme could bring jobs, investment and long-term benefits to the county.
In a statement issued on Tuesday (Apr 15), he said: “I’m concerned that the First Minister appears to not want the local jobs and economic growth on a project that is unlikely to be operational until after the Trump administration.”
He added: “Our community here in Pembrokeshire has always played a pivotal role in the UK’s defence and the DARC project represents the next chapter in our proud heritage.”
Mr Tufnell said he was working closely with the MoD to make sure local views were taken into account as the plans move forward.
He said: “I am working closely with MoD officials to ensure that the views and concerns of local residents are fully heard and addressed. It is vital that any environmental and public health concerns are addressed, and the project must deliver genuine, tangible benefits for local workers and the wider community.”
The U.K. Government is resolute on using defence to keep our country safe and revitalise the industrial heartlands of our United Kingdom.
He also backed the wider UK Government position on defence investment, adding: “The UK Government is resolute on using defence to keep our country safe and revitalise the industrial heartlands of our United Kingdom.”
The differing positions expose a clear divide within Labour over one of the most significant proposed developments in Pembrokeshire in recent years.
The pre-application consultation on the Brawdy scheme has now ended, with the Ministry of Defence expected to submit a formal planning application to Pembrokeshire County Council.
News
Hotel was hit during a Luftwaffe bombing raid
THE COMMEMORATION, held on Tuesday (May 12), marked the anniversary of the wartime attack, with members of the community gathering beside a newly installed plaque.
The plaque remembers those who lost their lives when the Pier Hotel suffered a direct hit during an air raid on Pembroke Dock.

A blessing was given by Rev Alex Grace, and the names of those who died were remembered by those in attendance.
The plaque was supplied by the Pembroke Dock Bicentenary Committee and installed as a permanent reminder of the town’s wartime sacrifice.
Pembroke Dock Town Council said it had been “an honour” to be part of the service.
The event brought together civic representatives, clergy, residents and members of the local community, with flowers laid in memory of those killed.

The new plaque reads: “This plaque commemorates those who died when the Pier Hotel suffered a direct hit during a Luftwaffe bombing raid on Pembroke Dock.”
Caption: Remembered: The service in Pembroke Dock marked the anniversary of the bombing of the Pier Hotel, with a new plaque supplied by the Bicentenary Committee.
Crime
Former bishop jailed for child sex offences as police appeal for more victims
POLICE are appealing for further victim-survivors to come forward after a former Bishop of Swansea and Brecon was jailed for multiple child sex offences.
Anthony Pierce, 85, of Swansea Vale, pleaded guilty at Swansea Crown Court to five counts of indecent assault on a child under the age of 16.
He was sentenced to four years and one month in prison.
Pierce will be placed on the sex offenders register for life and will be made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order on his release.

South Wales Police said that, since his sentencing, three further reports of offences dating back to the 1970s and 1980s have been received and are now under investigation.
Detective Inspector Tom Richardson, of Swansea CID, said officers believed there may be other people who were subjected to Pierce’s offending.
He said: “We know how difficult it must be for anyone to have suffered abuse in the past to come forward now.
“It was the bravery of the victim who reported Pierce’s actions which was instrumental in bringing him to justice.
“Since the conviction and sentencing of Pierce we have received reports from three people who have taken that first step in coming forward.
“We believe that there may be others who have been subject to Pierce’s crimes and we want to provide reassurance that any reports will be fully investigated and dealt with sensitively and with compassion.
“We recognise that coming forward can be daunting but would encourage victim-survivors to speak with us so they can get the support and help they deserve.”
Anyone with information, or anyone who believes they may have been a victim, is asked to contact South Wales Police on 101 quoting occurrence number 2600140999.
Support and information about reporting sexual offences is available through South Wales Police.
Crime
Jealous Milford Haven man smashed ex-partner’s phone and family photos
A MILFORD HAVEN man who smashed his girlfriend’s phone and damaged framed family photographs after wrongly accusing her of being unfaithful has been sentenced by Swansea Crown Court.
Adam Davies, 34, of Meyler Crescent, Milford Haven, was found guilty by a jury of two counts of criminal damage following a trial.
He had denied the offences and was cleared of intentional strangulation and assault by beating.
The court heard that Davies’ relationship with the complainant had begun to break down in June 2024, when he believed she was having an affair. The allegation was denied by the woman.
Recorder Simon Hughes, sentencing, said Davies confronted her at around 6:00pm on June 12 last year. During the argument, he threw her work mobile phone across the room, causing it to smash and creating significant inconvenience for her.
The following morning, at around 8:00am, Davies ripped down a curtain pole, damaging the wall behind it. He also picked up picture frames and threw them against a wall, causing them to break.
The court was told the couple later resumed their relationship, but it ended in September.
Matthew Murphy, mitigating, said Davies had no previous convictions.
Recorder Hughes told Davies he had been “arrogant and condescending” during the trial and said he continued to minimise the seriousness of his behaviour.
He added that the victim had been left considerably distressed by his conduct.
Davies was sentenced to a 12-month community order. He must complete 80 hours of unpaid work and a 15-day rehabilitation activity requirement.
A five-year restraining order was also imposed, banning him from contacting his former partner.
Davies must also pay a statutory victim surcharge.
-
News7 days agoBaby in critical condition after Fishguard emergency
-
News6 days agoFormer housing officer admits drink-driving in Pembrokeshire retail park
-
Crime6 days agoJob loss threat for convicted Pembrokeshire drug-driver
-
Crime6 days agoMilford motorist disqualified for drug-driving
-
Crime6 days agoPolice tip-off leads to driving ban for Milford motorist
-
Crime5 days agoRacial abuse suspect barricaded himself inside Johnston lodge
-
Community6 days agoSixth-former firefighter balances schoolwork with saving lives
-
Crime6 days agoDelivery driver caught twice over legal drink-drive limit







