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

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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.”

Crime

Tenby pub encounter led to lockdown rape, court hears

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A London visitor carried out a serious sexual attack during a family holiday in Pembrokeshire

A LONDON man who raped a woman in a Tenby alleyway during the Covid lockdown period has been jailed for eight and a half years.

Nicholas Mitchell, aged 60, had travelled to the seaside town from Bromley with his daughters in May 2021, as pandemic restrictions were beginning to ease. While out drinking, he struck up a conversation with a woman in a local pub.

Later that night, the court heard, Mitchell followed her into a narrow alleyway, where he subjected her to a serious sexual assault before raping her. He then left the area, abandoning the woman in a state of shock and distress.

Police were alerted and an investigation led to Mitchell’s arrest. He denied any wrongdoing, but a jury convicted him in November of two counts of rape and one count of assault by penetration.

During sentencing at Swansea Crown Court, prosecutor Ian Wright read a victim impact statement in which the woman described the profound effect the attack had on her life. She said she became withdrawn and struggled to leave her home, describing feelings of loneliness, numbness and depression. She told the court the incident had left lasting damage and prevented her from moving forward.

Mitchell was represented by defence barrister James Hartson, who said his client continued to protest his innocence but understood the court was bound by the jury’s findings. He said character references portrayed Mitchell as supportive and hard-working, and argued the offending was entirely out of character.

The defence also drew attention to a delay of more than three years between Mitchell’s arrest and formal charging, describing it as deeply unsatisfactory for all involved.

Sentencing, Judge Huw Rees rejected any suggestion the offending was momentary or accidental. He said Mitchell had deliberately targeted the victim and carried out a violent and degrading attack before walking away without concern for her welfare.

Addressing the defendant, the judge said alcohol was no excuse, describing the assault as driven by sexual entitlement and calling Mitchell’s actions wicked.

Mitchell will serve two-thirds of his sentence in custody before being released on licence. He will remain on the sex offenders’ register for life.

The court was told Mitchell has a previous conviction for assaulting a police officer in October 2020, following an incident linked to a domestic dispute with his estranged wife.

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Crime

Ex-Scout leader jailed over historic sexual abuse of two children

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Abuse carried out in Pembrokeshire and Newport between 1997 and 2002

A MAN who abused two children while working as a Scout leader has been sentenced to prison for historic sexual offences carried out in Pembrokeshire and east Wales.

Paul Skilton, 68, of Llangwm, was convicted at Newport Crown Court of five sexual offences following a jury trial. The offences included two counts of indecency with a child and three counts of indecent assault.

The court heard that the abuse took place between 1997 and 2002, when Skilton was aged in his forties. Two children were targeted, with incidents occurring at locations in Pembrokeshire and in Newport, Gwent.

The prosecution said Skilton forced a young girl to touch his penis and then pressed himself against her. In a separate incident involving a boy, he reached inside the child’s clothing and touched his buttocks.

Prosecutor Nick Gedge read statements from both victims. The female victim said the abuse had damaged her ability to trust men. The male victim described long-term harm to his mental health and said the abuse had affected the course of his life.

Defending, Ruth Smith told the court that mitigation was limited because Skilton continued to deny the offences despite the jury’s verdict. She said he had no previous convictions and had otherwise led a law-abiding life.

Ms Smith also said Skilton had been actively involved in Scouting for many years and that no earlier allegations had been made against him. She added that his poor physical health would make custody particularly difficult.

Recorder Paul Hartley-Davies said sentencing was constrained by the law in force at the time the offences were committed.

Skilton was sentenced to a total of four years and six months in prison.

He was ordered to sign the sex offenders register and made subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for ten years. Both victims were granted restraining orders preventing any contact.

Skilton was acquitted of six further charges relating to similar allegations.

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Community

Special delivery of thanks as MP visits Haverfordwest sorting office

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Christmas cheer for posties working through the festive rush

A CHRISTMAS message of thanks was delivered in person this week as Preseli Pembrokeshire MP Henry Tufnell paid a visit to Royal Mail staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office.

The MP met postal workers during one of the busiest periods of the year, praising staff for their hard work in ensuring cards, parcels and gifts reach homes across Pembrokeshire in the run-up to Christmas.

Mr Tufnell said postal workers were going “above and beyond” throughout the year, but particularly during the festive period when demand is at its highest and delivery rounds are often made in challenging weather conditions.

He described postal staff as “unsung heroes”, highlighting their role in keeping communities connected and helping families stay in touch at a time when it matters most.

Speaking after the visit, Mr Tufnell said: “Our posties play a vital role in our community, and at Christmas that importance is felt more than ever. They work incredibly hard to make sure gifts and cards from loved ones arrive safely and on time.”

Staff at the Haverfordwest site were pictured alongside the MP, with some embracing the festive spirit in Christmas jumpers and seasonal outfits while continuing their daily work.

The MP also extended his thanks to postal workers across the whole of Pembrokeshire, acknowledging the dedication required to keep services running smoothly during the seasonal rush.

Royal Mail experiences its highest parcel volumes in December, with thousands of additional items passing through local sorting offices each day as Christmas approaches.

Delivering Christmas cheer: Henry Tufnell MP with staff at Haverfordwest Sorting Office during a festive visit (Pic: Facebook).

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