News

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

Published

9 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.”

Community

Kurtz welcomes £4.3m National Lottery boost for local communities

Published

6 hours ago

March 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

SAMUEL Kurtz MS has welcomed more than £4.3 million in National Lottery funding awarded to community projects across Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire since 2021.

Figures released by The National Lottery Community Fund show that £4,318,484 has been distributed through 122 grants in the constituency since the 2021/22 financial year, the same year Mr Kurtz was elected.

The funding has supported a wide range of grassroots charities, voluntary organisations and community groups through programmes including National Lottery Awards for All, offering grants of up to £20,000, and People and Places, which provides larger awards of up to £500,000.

Projects backed locally include mental health support for young people, environmental and sustainability initiatives, community workshops, outdoor wellbeing activities, support for vulnerable adults, and programmes aimed at building skills and confidence.

Among the organisations to benefit is Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority, which received £343,584 for its Routes to Discovery project, helping improve mental and physical wellbeing through accessible outdoor activities.

St Davids Diocesan Council for Social Responsibility was awarded £398,078 to deliver its Plant Dewi: Strengthening our Communities initiative, supporting families and local groups.

Other recipients include The VC Gallery, Redberth Croft CIC, The Tenby Project CIC and Neptune’s Army of Rubbish Cleaners, with funding supporting projects ranging from food initiatives and nature-based wellbeing to volunteering and environmental action.

Mr Kurtz said: “Community groups and charities across Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire do incredible work supporting people and strengthening local communities.

“It is fantastic to see more than £4.3 million of National Lottery funding invested in projects that are improving wellbeing, tackling isolation and creating opportunities for people of all ages during my time in office.

“The voluntary sector plays a vital role in our area, and this funding is helping organisations deliver projects that bring people together and make a real difference to people’s lives.”

The National Lottery Community Fund is the largest funder of community activity in Wales, supporting initiatives that bring communities together, promote environmental sustainability, help children and young people thrive, and improve health and wellbeing.

Organisations across Wales can apply for funding through the Awards for All and People and Places programmes to support projects that matter most to their communities.

Further information is available on The National Lottery Community Fund website.

Cymraeg

National Eisteddfod unveils legacy framework to boost Welsh language and communities

Published

6 hours ago

March 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A NEW national framework aimed at securing a lasting legacy from the National Eisteddfod has been published jointly by the festival’s organisers and the Welsh Government.

The plan sets out how the Eisteddfod’s impact will be strengthened before, during and after each annual event, bringing together partners from across education, community development, culture, the economy and the Welsh language sector.

While each Eisteddfod reflects the identity of its host community, the framework aims to ensure long-term benefits are consistently delivered nationwide, rather than limited to the festival period.

The legacy programme will cover a wide range of areas including education, inclusion, digital innovation, volunteering and economic development, with new national and local structures designed to coordinate delivery more effectively.

A national project board will oversee the strategy, setting direction and sharing best practice year-on-year. At a local level, a steering group will drive community-based work, helping turn the Eisteddfod into a catalyst for lasting change.

Cabinet Secretary for Finance and the Welsh Language, Mark Drakeford said the festival’s impact goes far beyond a single week.

“The Eisteddfod is far more than a week-long festival. It is a multi-year project that leaves a lasting legacy for the Welsh language and culture in the area,” he said.

“By bringing together partners from across key sectors, this framework will help deliver real and lasting change for our communities and support our ambition of reaching a million Welsh speakers by 2050.”

Nic Parry, President of the Eisteddfod Court and Chair of its Management Board, said the framework strengthens collaboration at both local and national level.

“It allows us to deliver on a long-held ambition to drive language planning through the lens of the National Eisteddfod,” he said.

“It also positions the Eisteddfod as a powerful tool for boosting local economies and supporting sustainable communities for future generations.”

Further details are expected later this year, with membership of the national project board due to be confirmed by mid-June.

A dedicated session at this year’s Eisteddfod will also gather evidence from the 2026 host area to help shape future plans for 2027 and 2028.

More information is available via the Eisteddfod’s legacy framework online.

Community

Former Neyland police officer Louis Knight dies aged 83

Published

6 hours ago

March 19, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Tributes pour in for former Neyland officer remembered as a “true gentleman” and “local legend”

A FORMER Neyland police officer remembered as a “true gentleman” and “local legend” has died at the age of 83, prompting an outpouring of tributes from across Pembrokeshire.

Louis Knight, of Neyland Hill, Neyland, passed away peacefully at Withybush Hospital, Haverfordwest on Thursday (Mar 5).

Mr Knight, who served as a police officer in the area for many years, was a familiar and respected figure in Neyland and beyond. In the hours following the announcement of his death, hundreds of messages flooded social media, painting a picture of a man whose impact stretched far beyond his time in uniform.

Many described him simply as “one of the best,” while others called him “a proper local legend” and “a tremendous police officer.”

One resident wrote: “A face and name I will never forget from my youth.”

Another said: “He was a tremendous police officer… a kick up the backside and a word was enough. It stayed with you.”

Others remembered his warmth and humour away from policing.

“He always had a story to tell on the way home in the taxi,” one tribute read, while another added: “Every time you asked him how he was, the answer was always ‘bloody marvellous.’”

Many spoke of his kindness and the time he gave to people.

“Louis was one of the most kindest gentlemen around. Always made time to chat,” one message said.

Another added: “Neyland won’t be the same again.”

While some reflected fondly on a different era of policing, what came through most strongly was the respect Mr Knight earned within his community — something repeatedly highlighted in tributes from those who knew him as children, neighbours, and later as adults.

Mr Knight was the beloved husband of the late Angela, devoted father of Andrew and Alison, and adored father-in-law of Frank. He was also a loving grandfather to Michelle and Laura, and a cherished brother of Jennifer, Charles and Richard.

His family said he was loved dearly and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

The funeral service will take place on Wednesday (Apr 1) at 11:30am at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narberth.

Family flowers only. Donations in memory of Louis, if desired, are for Ward 8 at Withybush Hospital and may be sent directly to the ward at SA61 2PZ.

All enquiries to Tom Newing & Sons Ltd, Funeral Directors, Dartmouth Street, Milford Haven (01646 693180).

Photo caption:

PC Louis Knight pictured during a Royal Visit, engaging with local children — a familiar sight in Neyland for many years (Pic: Supplied).