PROTESTS against proposals for a deep-space radar site at Pembrokeshire’s Cawdor barracks, Brawdy, which have seen a local city council object, have taken place close to the site and at County Hall, Haverfordwest

In a pre-application consultation, ahead of a formal planning application, The Ministry of Defence wants to install 27 radar antenna and a long list of associated works at Cawdor Barracks, Brawdy.

The pre-application consultation on the UK Government website, ran up to March 23, with the MOD intending to submit a formal planning application to Pembrokeshire County Council after that date.

Proposals for a worldwide network of sensors called the Deep Space Advanced Radar Concept (DARC) to track active satellites and other objects would utilise three sites worldwide, in the USA, the UK and Australia “enabling 360-degree coverage of the sky at all times of day and under any weather conditions”.

In late 2023, Cawdor Barracks was identified as the preferred UK site by the-then UK Defence Secretary, Grant Shapps.

A supporting statement accompanying the pre-application consultation, through Montagu Evans LLP says: “The Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability proposal will enhance the UK’s ability to detect, identify, and track objects in Earth orbit, including satellites, space debris, and potential threats.

“This capability is vital for ensuring the resilience of UK space systems, enabling the UK to secure attribution, maintain stability and provide information for managing emerging challenges. Fundamentally, the project forms a key site that will support wider international space traffic management and enhance collective international security.

“As part of the ongoing investment into this domain, the UK has been working with its allies to identify a location for a new deep space monitoring facility to protect and defend both military and civilian infrastructure that supports our way of life.”

It adds that, as well as the civilian importance of satellite technology, “there is the strategic importance of secure communication for command-and-control activities undertaken by the UK military,” adding: “This not only serves to support operations for and with our allies across the globe, but also the day-to-day security of the nation.”

St Davids City Council members recently unanimously opposed the proposals, raising concerns including the impact on tourism, the loss of the only 4G sports pitch in the county area currently available to the community at Brawdy, the impact on the Pembrokeshire Dark Skies designation, and potential health considerations relating to non-ionising radiation.

Public objectors to the proposals have said there are concerns “about the scale, complexity and potential implications of the proposal,” adding: “A number of peaceful protests have taken place, including gatherings outside Brawdy Barracks and County Hall.

“In addition, a small number of people made camp over the weekend near the proposed site to highlight their concerns and to encourage further public dialogue about the proposed development.”

Concerns raised include a potential impact on the local economy, which is dependent on tourism, the environment, and potential impacts on human health.

“Other are worried that the presence of the radar would alter the profile of the region in terms of security,” Penny Dafforn of the protestors said, adding: “As we are seeing in the current action of the USA against Iran – such installations can very easily become a target for hostile forces.

“Given the technical and geopolitical complexity of the proposal, some residents have also expressed uncertainty about whether the local planning authority is best qualified to fully assess all aspects of this application.”

A PEMBROKESHIRE school and the council are providing reassurance after parents raised fears following an announcement that a Sikh pupil would be allowed to wear a ceremonial dagger for religious reasons.

An email sent to parents from the school’s headteacher said: “We have recently welcomed a Sikh family to our school community.

“As part of their faith, practising Amrhitrdhari Sikhs, over the age of 14, are required to wear certain symbolic items, one of which is the kirpan. In this case, the learner is wearing a small, sheathed ceremonial kirpan (that is secured and cannot be unsheathed). It is worn purely as a religious symbol and not as a functional item.

“We have taken appropriate steps to ensure that this is managed safely and in accordance with our safeguarding responsibilities, the laws of the United Kingdom, and our commitment to respecting the religious beliefs of all learners.

“We will continue to monitor this sensitively and appropriately.”

The kirpan is a mandatory article of faith worn by initiated (Amritdhari) Khalsa Sikhs, representing a commitment to spirituality, justice, and defending the innocent. Often a small steel or iron blade, it is one of the five Ks worn at all times by Sikhs.

It has been described as not a weapon of violence but a ‘weapon of grace,’ a symbol of courage, self-defence, and the duty to protect the weak and uphold justice.

Concerns have been raised by parents on social media, with one saying her daughter was made to take off her false nails she had got done for her birthday as the school classed them as “a dangerous weapon,” saying she refused and got sent home.

Another said: “Allowing that in a school? They planning on having a copper follow them everywhere every school day? Surely they cannot walk around with a blade in school, religious or not surely that’s not okay! I have absolutely no issue with any religion at all but that is dangerous for people, they could hurt someone whether accidental or intentional.”

The school’s uniform policy stresses: “Sikhism requires that a baptised Sikh should carry a comb (Khanga); steel bracelets (Kara) and a short sword or dagger (Kirpan). These additions to the jewellery / accessory rules are permitted, but any kirpan must be ceremonial: that is, safe and incapable of being used as a weapon.”

A Pembrokeshire County Council spokesman said: “The council is aware of the issue and provided guidance and advice to [the school].

“The school will follow their safeguarding process as outlined in the letter to parents and the council is satisfied that appropriate measures are in place at the school.”

WELSH Labour leader Eluned Morgan has pledged to freeze Welsh rates of income tax if her party forms the next government, as Labour prepares to launch its Senedd election manifesto on Monday (Mar 30).

Speaking in Swansea, Morgan is expected to position the policy as part of a wider effort to ease pressure on households during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

In remarks released ahead of the launch, she said a future Welsh Labour government “will not raise income tax” during the next Senedd term.

She added: “Fairness starts with understanding the pressure families face, but fairness also means action.

“This manifesto delivers real help with the cost of living.”

Key pledges outlined

Alongside the proposed tax freeze, Welsh Labour says its manifesto will include a number of headline commitments.

These include a £2 cap on single bus fares across Wales, maintaining £1 fares for young people, and continuing free travel for over-60s.

The party has also pledged to create 20,000 new childcare places, expanding provision to include children from nine months old.

Other priorities outlined ahead of the launch include investment in the NHS, with plans for new hospital developments and expanded mental health support, as well as measures aimed at tackling environmental issues such as river pollution and fly-tipping.

Labour also says it will focus on job creation through green energy projects and introduce a “lifelong retraining guarantee”.

Context and scrutiny

The Welsh Government has the power to vary income tax rates in Wales, but changes have not been made since partial control over income tax was devolved in 2019.

A freeze would maintain current rates rather than reduce the tax burden, meaning the policy is unlikely to increase take-home pay directly but could prevent future rises.

Opposition parties are expected to challenge Labour’s plans during the campaign, particularly around funding commitments and delivery of large-scale pledges such as NHS investment and childcare expansion.

Welsh Labour also used its pre-launch briefing to criticise Plaid Cymru, claiming its rivals are focused on constitutional issues rather than economic priorities. Plaid Cymru has yet to formally respond to the manifesto announcement.

Election backdrop

The Senedd election is due to take place on Thursday (May 7), with the cost of living, NHS performance, and economic growth expected to dominate the campaign.