Community

Pressure grows on Pembrokeshire MP as anti-radar campaign goes national

Published

9 months ago

March 22, 2025

Activists launch Westminster lobbying drive amid growing cross-party concern

CAMPAIGNERS opposed to a proposed US-linked radar installation in Pembrokeshire have stepped up their efforts by launching a UK-wide lobbying campaign targeting all 650 Members of Parliament.

The group PARC Against DARC, which is leading opposition to the Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability (DARC) project at the former RAF Brawdy base, has begun hand-delivering information packs and personalised letters to every MP at Westminster. The move is intended to raise awareness of the project’s potential impact and encourage political support for its cancellation.

The campaign is also calling on local MP Henry Tufnell to clarify his position on the radar proposal, which they describe as “deeply unpopular and destabilising.”

Early Day Motion calls for withdrawal

The Westminster push follows the tabling of an Early Day Motion (EDM) by Liz Saville Roberts MP, Plaid Cymru’s defence spokesperson, on Tuesday (Mar 19). The motion, titled “975 DARC in Wales,” raises concerns about the visual and ecological impact of the proposed radar array, potential health risks from radiofrequency emissions, and its implications for international law under the 1967 Outer Space Treaty.

The EDM also warns of the potential for increased space debris and the militarisation of space, concluding with a call for the UK Government to withdraw the planning application for the site in Pembrokeshire—or any alternative location in the UK.

The Herald understands that the motion has gained swift cross-party support, including from Green MP Siân Berry, Liberal Democrat defence spokesperson Helen Maguire, and Independent MP Jeremy Corbyn.

***Several of these dishes could be erected at Brawdy (Image: File)***

Speaking to The Pembrokeshire Herald, Liz Saville Roberts MP said: “At a time when the United States is becoming a less reliable defence partner, we must question whether we want to further entangle Wales in US foreign policy through DARC and the AUKUS Treaty. The Ministry of Defence must also address local residents’ concerns regarding high levels of radiofrequency signals.”

Calls for local representation

Campaigners say that, despite repeated outreach, Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell has not made any public comment on the DARC proposal. A spokesperson for PARC Against DARC said: “We, and many members of the public, have contacted Henry Tufnell MP on numerous occasions. We invited him to table this EDM and have not even received a reply.

“There is a growing sense of a political vacuum in West Wales, where our elected representatives are simply refusing to speak out on hugely important issues.”

The group accuses both Labour and Conservative MPs of avoiding the issue, alleging pressure from party leadership in Westminster. Mr Tufnell was approached for comment.

Broader political and public support

A similar Statement of Opinion has already been tabled in the Senedd by Cefin Campbell MS, attracting support from nearly a third of Members, including Welsh Labour, Plaid Cymru, and Liberal Democrats.

Supporters of the campaign argue that the installation of 27 radar dishes on the St Davids peninsula—an area known for its scenic beauty and tourism industry—would cause irreparable damage to the landscape and place Pembrokeshire at the centre of future global military conflicts.

They also claim that the proposed system would support military priorities under the AUKUS treaty and a possible second Trump administration, giving the United States greater control over space-based assets.

Concerns have also been raised about the long-term implications for UK foreign policy, national security, and the future role of Wales in international defence infrastructure. Campaigners say that hosting such a major facility could compromise the UK’s commitment to peaceful space exploration and weaken local democratic oversight.

Momentum continues to build

PARC Against DARC says public engagement has reached unprecedented levels, with over 17,000 people signing a petition and more than 40,000 leaflets distributed locally. The group has also been featured in over 100 media articles and held several well-attended public meetings.

A spokesperson for the group said: “With support growing across party lines both in Cardiff Bay and Westminster, the momentum is now unstoppable. We are urging everyone concerned about this project to contact their MPs and MSs. This campaign is not just about Pembrokeshire—it’s about the future of our country’s landscape, safety and sovereignty.”

Campaigners also point to historical precedent. A similar US radar proposal in the 1990s for the same site was ultimately abandoned after facing significant public and political opposition. Local activists believe that the same result can be achieved again, provided pressure continues to mount on decision-makers at every level of government.

The campaign encourages members of the public to visit their website and use a lobbying tool to write to their elected representatives.

Community

Crowds line streets as tractor run hailed a festive success

Published

54 minutes ago

December 20, 2025

Tom Sinclair

CROWDS lined streets and pavements across Pembrokeshire on Saturday evening (Dec 20) as Clarbeston Road AFC’s illuminated Christmas tractor run was hailed a resounding success.

More than 200 tractors took part in the event, travelling through villages and towns including Newmoat, Maenclochog, Llys-y-frân, Walton East, Clarbeston Road, Wiston, Newbridge, Poyston Cross, Crundale and Haverfordwest, where large crowds gathered to watch the festive convoy pass through.

Families, children and residents wrapped up against the cold to enjoy the sight of tractors decorated with Christmas lights and festive displays, with applause and waves greeting drivers as they made their way through built-up areas and rural roads alike.

The convoy set off from the Clarbeston Road AFC Knock Playing Fields at 5:30pm and concluded at the County Showground in Haverfordwest later in the evening. At the end of the run, refreshments were available and the raffle draw took place at the Park House building, which was open to the public.

Organisers said the turnout from both drivers and spectators exceeded expectations, with the event once again bringing communities together while raising funds for local causes, including The Catrin Vaughan Foundation, In It With Isaac, and Wales Air Ambulance.

Clarbeston Road AFC thanked tractor drivers, volunteers, sponsors and members of the public for their support, as well as residents and road users for their patience while the convoy passed through.

The illuminated tractor run has become a firm fixture in the local festive calendar, with Friday night’s event described by many spectators as one of the best yet.

Community

Charity tractor and car run set to raise funds for Macmillan and Paul Sartori

Published

3 hours ago

December 20, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A CHARITY tractor and car run in memory of Charles Rees is set to take place in Pembrokeshire later this month, with funds raised supporting Macmillan Cancer Support and Paul Sartori Hospice at Home.

The Charles Rees Tractor & Car Run will be held on Sunday, December 28, 2025, starting and finishing at Dudwell Farm in Camrose.

Participants are being invited to “start their engines” in aid of the two charities, with gates opening at 9:00am and the convoy leaving promptly at 10:30am. Organisers have confirmed that the run will operate with no halfway stops, returning to Dudwell Farm at the end of the route.

The event will begin and finish at Dudwell Farm, Camrose (SA62 6HJ), and is open to tractors and cars. Registration and cash payment will take place on the day, with the price to be confirmed nearer the event.

Additional donations can also be made locally in the run-up to the event at Camrose Country Hardware and Croesgoch Stores.

The run has been organised to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support, which provides vital care and assistance to people living with cancer, and Paul Sartori Hospice at Home, which supports patients and families across Pembrokeshire during some of the most difficult times of their lives.

Organisers say more information will be released closer to the event and are encouraging the local community to support the run, whether by taking part, donating, or lining the route to show support.

The event is expected to attract strong local interest, continuing Pembrokeshire’s tradition of community-led fundraising in support of much-valued charities.

Community

Cilgerran school could be discontinued as consultation launched

Published

15 hours ago

December 20, 2025

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

A CONSULTATION on proposed changes for a north Pembrokeshire school, which attracted a near-400-strong petition in opposition to the council, has been launched.

At its May meeting, Pembrokeshire County Council considered a report of the School Modernisation Working Group which outlined the findings of a review of education provision in the Preseli area.

“In particular, the review considered the extent of surplus school places in the area, set against a significant decline in the pupil population,” the council in its consultation on proposals for discontinuation of Cilgerran Church in Wales Voluntary Controlled School has said.

A later July meeting of the council, following May’s agreed consultation with St David’s Diocese, backed a general consultation to discontinue Cilgerran Church in Wales Voluntary Controlled School, and to establish it as a 3-11 community school.

The consultation was launched on December 16 and runs to January 30.

Hundreds have opposed the proposed changes, with a petition, on the council’s own website opposing the changes recently closed after gaining 391 signatures.

Any petition of between 100 and 499 signatures triggers a debate at one of the council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committees, and any over 500 a debate at full council, meaning this petition will be heard by committee members at a later date.

The proposals for Cilgerran are part of a wide range of potential education changes in the county.

Two petitions, opposing the potential closures of Manorbier and Ysgol Clydau schools, were recently heard at full council and a further petition opposing the potential closure of Stepaside School has recently been launched.

The Cilgerran e-petition, created by Louise Williams, raised concerns including the school could become part of a federation, a loss of permanent head teacher on site, a shared head teacher would have to oversee several schools, loss of funding control and the ability to maintain the school’s current healthy and stable funding, and a loss of commitment to the church, in turn could impact on the school’s and pupils values, beliefs and cultural beliefs.

It said: “Ysgol Cilgerran VC school has strong links with the Church community in Cilgerran and we believe this will have a negative impact on the children who attend the school, the community of Cilgerran and the links between the two.

“We are proud of our school ethos and values which are strengthened by our links with the church. The school has close and strong relationships with our Church in Wales federation governors one of which is also our safeguarding governor.

“Our Church Federation governors work closely with the school and are regular visitors to the school and the children. They provide vital support and guidance to the school and have a positive impact on the Children’s education. We believe these links will be weakened by this proposal to remove our VC status and we believe this is an un-necessary action.”