News

Britain returns to the nuclear frontline with purchase of nuclear-capable jets

Published

6 months ago

June 25, 2025

RAF Marham and Lakenheath to house new planes as protests grow

THE UK is facing the most significant expansion of its nuclear weapons capability in a generation, with anti-arms groups warning of mass protests and a new wave of peace activism. The move brings Britain back onto the nuclear frontline — and has sparked concern among Welsh campaigners and military watchers.

The UK Government has confirmed the purchase of 12 F-35A fighter jets from the United States. These aircraft are nuclear-capable and can be equipped with the US B61-12 gravity bomb — a weapon with over three times the explosive power of the bomb dropped on Hiroshima.

The jets will be based at RAF Marham in Norfolk, while RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk — already a US-operated base — is undergoing multimillion-pound upgrades. Nuclear storage vaults at Lakenheath, unused since the withdrawal of US bombs in 2008, are expected to be reactivated.

Cost and controversy

The cost of the aircraft is expected to exceed £700 million, with similar sums anticipated for long-term maintenance and support. Campaigners from the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) and Campaign Against Arms Trade (CAAT) say the spending contradicts government claims of budgetary restraint in public services.

“This is nuclear proliferation by any other name,” said Kirsten Bayes of CAAT. “At a time when funding is being cut for disabled people and essential services, ministers have found hundreds of millions for US jets designed to carry nuclear bombs.”

The UK has not had its own air-launched nuclear weapons since 1998, when the WE177 free-fall bomb was decommissioned by the then Labour government. Since then, Britain’s nuclear deterrent has relied solely on submarine-launched Trident missiles.

Wales watches with concern

While no nuclear weapons are planned for deployment in Wales, the expansion has raised questions about the role of Welsh airspace and training facilities in future operations.

RAF Valley on Anglesey is a key training hub for the RAF’s fast jet pilots and regularly hosts low-flying exercises involving Typhoon and F-35 aircraft. Flights over rural areas such as the Mach Loop are likely to increase.

“We may not be housing the bombs,” said one local peace campaigner from Ceredigion, “but our airspace is being used in preparation for a nuclear scenario. That should concern everyone in Wales.”

In previous years, RAF Valley has seen protests over jet noise and military flights. Campaigners now say the presence of nuclear-capable jets in Britain could escalate local opposition.

Protest movement revives

CND is organising a large-scale protest this Saturday (June 28) at RAF Lakenheath. The site was previously the focus of anti-nuclear activism in the 1980s, when peace protesters targeted US cruise missile deployment. Organisers say demonstrations will also be held at RAF Marham.

Sophie Bolt, general secretary of CND, said: “This puts Britain on the nuclear frontline. We have not had US nuclear weapons on our soil since 2008, and this decision has been made without any parliamentary debate. That undermines both British sovereignty and democratic accountability.”

The government has denied claims that the move signals a return to Cold War-era posturing. Defence Secretary John Healey said the decision to acquire the jets is “entirely consistent” with the UK’s obligations under the nuclear non-proliferation treaty.

Britain remains part of NATO’s Dual Capable Aircraft programme, which requires nuclear-capable aircraft to be available for deployment under US control. Any use of such weapons would require joint authorisation by the US president, UK prime minister, and NATO nuclear planning group.

**A previous protest at RAF Lakenheath (Image: CND)**

Local unease and national implications

In Pembrokeshire, where residents are no strangers to military activity, news of the expansion has drawn criticism. Campaigners have highlighted the potential for escalation and the region’s role in NATO exercises over the Irish Sea.

“With our history of peace activism and our rural vulnerability, people in West Wales have reason to be concerned,” said a former member of CND Pembrokeshire. “This isn’t just about RAF Lakenheath. If tensions escalate, no part of the UK is safe.”

Prime Minister Keir Starmer defended the move, stating: “In an era of radical uncertainty, we can no longer take peace for granted. That is why my government is investing in our national security.”

But campaigners remain unconvinced.

“This is not about defence,” said Bolt. “This is about preparing for nuclear war — and people across the UK, including in Wales, are right to oppose it.”

Farming

Basic Payment Scheme 2025 balance paid to 95% of Welsh farmers

Published

7 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Final year of BPS as transition to Sustainable Farming Scheme begins

The WELSH Government says more than ninety-five per cent of farm businesses have now received their full or balance payment under the final year of the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS), ahead of the introduction of the new Sustainable Farming Scheme (SFS) in 2026.

Announcing the update on Friday (Dec 12), Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, Huw Irranca-Davies, confirmed that over 15,400 Welsh farm businesses have been paid £68.7m. This comes on top of the £160m issued in BPS advance payments since 14 October.

Final round of BPS payments

The Basic Payment Scheme, which has been the backbone of farm support in Wales for a decade, provides direct income support to help farmers plan and manage their businesses. BPS 2025 marks the last year in which full BPS payments will be made before the scheme begins to be phased out.

The Cabinet Secretary said officials would “continue to process the outstanding BPS 2025 claims as soon as possible,” adding that all but the most complex cases should be completed by 30 June 2026.

Payments issued today represent the main balance due to farmers following earlier advances, giving many businesses the cash flow they need during the quieter winter period—traditionally a challenging time in the agricultural calendar.

Shift to Sustainable Farming Scheme in 2026

From 1 January 2026, the Welsh Government will begin rolling out the Sustainable Farming Scheme, a major reform to how agricultural support is delivered. The SFS will reward farmers for environmental outcomes such as habitat management, carbon reduction and biodiversity improvements, alongside continued food production.

The government has argued that the new scheme is essential to meeting Wales’ climate and nature targets while ensuring long-term resilience in the sector. However, the transition has been closely watched by farming unions, who have raised concerns about the administrative burden, income stability, and the speed at which BPS is being phased out.

Mr Irranca-Davies reaffirmed the government’s stance, saying: “This government is steadfastly committed to supporting Welsh farmers to sustainably produce quality food. This is demonstrated today in our payment of the BPS 2025 balance payments and will continue throughout the transition period.”

Sector reaction

Farming unions are expected to scrutinise the detail of today’s announcement, particularly around remaining unpaid cases. Last year, late payments led to frustration in parts of the sector, with unions calling for greater certainty as the industry faces rising input costs, supply chain pressures and continued market volatility.

The move to the SFS remains one of the most significant agricultural policy changes in Wales since devolution. Ministers insist the shift is designed to support both food production and environmental stewardship, while critics warn the transition must not undermine farm viability—especially for family-run livestock farms that dominate rural areas such as Pembrokeshire, Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire.

What happens next

Farmers still awaiting their BPS 2025 balance will continue to be processed “as soon as possible”, the Welsh Government said. Officials will also publish updated guidance on the Sustainable Farming Scheme ahead of its launch.

The coming year will therefore become a pivotal moment for Welsh agriculture, as the long-standing BPS framework—which provided over £200m annually to Welsh farmers—makes way for a new results-based model that will shape the industry for decades to come.

News

Improved train timetable launches across Wales

Published

7 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Extra services, later trains and boosted Sunday routes as £800m rail investment takes effect

An improved train timetable has come into force across Wales today (Sunday, 14 December), with Transport for Wales (TfW) introducing more frequent services, stronger connections and additional late-night trains on key routes.

The winter timetable update brings one of the most substantial uplifts in recent years on the Wales and Borders network, forming part of the Welsh Government’s ongoing £800 million investment in brand-new rolling stock and reliability improvements.

More trains and later journeys

Among the upgrades, passengers will see:

A new hourly additional service between Chester and Wrexham, effectively doubling the frequency on one of the region’s busiest commuter corridors.
An extra train in each direction every day on the Heart of Wales line between Swansea and Shrewsbury.
Three later last trains from Cardiff to Treherbert, Aberdare and Merthyr Tydfil, supporting shift workers and the night-time economy.
A new hourly Sunday service on the Coryton line in Cardiff.

Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, Ken Skates, said improved connectivity was “absolutely vital” for economic growth and passenger confidence.

“These changes will make a real difference to customers, who will benefit from more services and greater connectivity,” he said. “This has been made possible by our £800m investment in brand-new trains for the Wales and Borders network.

“We will see the doubling of trains between Wrexham and Chester and a later service from the capital to valley communities. In South Wales, people will continue to benefit from simpler, fairer fares through TfW’s Pay As You Go service, and its forthcoming introduction in North Wales will help even more passengers access easy, transparent pricing.”

Full details of the updated timetable are available at: tfw.wales/service-status/timetables

News

Wrecked guard boat still under watch off north Pembrokeshire coast

Published

8 hours ago

December 14, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Tidal changes monitored after dramatic early-morning rescue

A GUARD VESSEL that ran aground off the north Pembrokeshire coast in the early hours of Thursday morning (Dec 11) remains under close observation as tides continue to shift.

The Resolute, a 24-metre guard boat understood to be working for an offshore wind project off the Irish coast, had been sheltering in worsening weather when she was pushed onto rocks near Aber Hywel, Dinas, shortly after 3:25am.

Four crew members were onboard when the vessel grounded in rough seas and a strong southerly wind.

Major rescue effort launched

The crew issued an emergency alert, prompting a full multi-agency response.
A coastguard rescue helicopter, both Fishguard RNLI lifeboats, and coastguard teams from Fishguard and St Davids were sent to the scene.

Turbulent air made a winch rescue impossible and Fishguard’s all-weather lifeboat was unable to get close due to cliffs and submerged hazards. The inshore lifeboat was instead deployed to attempt a transfer in extremely challenging conditions.

During the evacuation, the third crew member descending to the vessel’s life raft slipped, fell into the water and was swept away. Speaking afterwards, RNLI crew member Cedwyn Rogers said the team immediately switched into “hyper-focused” mode as training took over.

Despite the casualty drifting, helm Warren Bean — a volunteer with more than 30 years’ RNLI experience — manoeuvred the lifeboat alongside, allowing crew to haul the man to safety. The remaining crew member was then retrieved, and all four were taken aboard the all-weather lifeboat and brought ashore to Fishguard.

All rescue units were later stood down.

Vessel still stranded and taking on water

The Herald understands that the Resolute remained aground on the rocks yesterday and was taking on water. The crew were later assisted back onboard by a local fisherman to assess damage on behalf of the vessel’s operators.

Management representatives from Ireland were due to arrive to draw up a recovery plan, including arrangements to remove fuel to prevent any potential environmental impact.

Further inspections have been taking place today as the team evaluates the next steps.

Coastguard statement

A spokesperson for HM Coastguard said: “At 3.28am on Thursday morning, HM Coastguard was made aware of a vessel with four persons onboard aground on rocks at Fishguard, Pembrokeshire. RNLI lifeboats and coastguard rescue teams from Fishguard and St Davids were sent to the scene. The four people aboard were rescued by lifeboat, and the helicopter was stood down. The vessel, which is still aground, is being monitored as tidal conditions change.”