Community

Labour and Tory lack of response to space radar slammed by campaigners

Published

10 months ago

July 2, 2024

Bruce Sinclair - Local Democracy Reporter

CAMPAIGNERS fighting against proposals to build a DARC space radar facility at Brawdy have expressed their concerns at a lack of response from both Labour and the Conservatives after quizzing all candidates for their position.

The UK/US military plans for a 27-dish Deep Space Advanced Radar Concept (DARC) at Cawdor Barracks, Brawdy is part of AUKUS, a three-way security pact between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States to build three DARC radar installations around the world, one in each of the three countries.

The radars would track foreign countries’ communications and military satellites in space, so that British, US and Australian aircraft could then destroy them with anti-satellite missiles at will.

A scoping report was submitted to Pembrokeshire County Council early last year, as reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, which said the United States Space Force (USSF)-led DARC would track active satellites above the Earth.

Late last year, Cawdor Barrack was identified as the preferred UK site by the-then UK Defence Secretary, Grant Shapps.

Following a packed public launch meeting at Solva Memorial on June 27 with hundreds in attendance the newly launched PARC (Pembrokeshire Against Radar Campaign) Against DARC campaign issued a public challenge to all 15 candidates standing in both Mid and South Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion Preseli.

PARC asked the candidates: “Where do you stand on DARC Radar at Brawdy?”.

PARC has said that “only the Labour and Tory candidates remain silent on this issue”.

Campaigner Jim Scott said: “This isn’t a difficult issue to formulate a position on, we have had responses now from all other parties spanning across the political spectrum. The silence is now deafening, especially from the Labour candidate Henry Tufnell who polls suggest will beat Stephen Crabb in the Mid and South Pembrokeshire seat.

“The new Ceredigion Preseli constituency boundary also falls within a mile of the proposed site at Brawdy so this issue will affect both Pembrokeshire constituencies equally.

“We know from the responses we’ve received from all the other parties that they all have grave concerns about this proposed development, for example, Cris Tomos who’s standing for Plaid Cymru in Mid and South, has told us that he wishes to help build the case for DARC to be taken to a high court hearing, The Greens are also vociferously against it.”

He added: “All the information is on our website for candidates to educate themselves on the issue so why is Labour who are expected to win the General Election remaining silent? They are duty bound to disclose to their prospective voters where they stand on this before polling day rather than waiting till afterwards to reveal their Party’s position. The silence is so deafening now that it’s almost like they’ve been told to ‘keep quiet on DARC’.”

Responses either in support of the campaign or raising concerns about the proposals have been received from both Plaid Cymru candidates, Liberal Democrat Mark Williams, Taghrid Al-Mawed of the Workers Party, Stuart Marchant of Reform, and both Green Party candidates, DARC has said.

Labour candidate Henry Tufnell said: “On the DARC issue, we are currently awaiting the environmental impact assessment and town planning application. I have raised the concerns of local residents with Labour’s shadow defence policy team.

“I understand that the site is of significant concern for local residents and it is important that their views are represented throughout the process.”

Fellow candidate Jackie Jones said her response aligns with Mr Tufnell’s

Conservative candidates Aled Thomas and Stephen Crabb have been contacted for a response.

Community

Police appeal to find Daniel, 32, from Pembroke Dock

Published

3 hours ago

April 30, 2025

Tom Sinclair

POLICE are appealing for information to help locate 32-year-old Daniel, who has been reported missing from his home in the Pembroke Dock area.

Daniel is described as being around 6ft 1in tall, with ginger hair and blue eyes. He has infinity tattoos on his arms and is often seen wearing a baseball cap and sunglasses.

He is known to speak with an American accent and has links to both the London and Bristol areas.

Daniel was last known to be driving a blue Ford Ecosport, registration number CU17 MLF.

Anyone who has seen Daniel or has information about his whereabouts is urged to contact Dyfed-Powys Police either online at: https://bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing [email protected], or by calling 101.

Please quote reference: 142 of April 23.

Community

Paddle Out protest returns to Broad Haven to highlight sewage pollution

Published

5 hours ago

April 30, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A MAJOR environmental protest is set to take place in Broad Haven (north) on Friday, May 17, as part of a national campaign against sewage pollution in UK waters.

The event, known as the Paddle Out Protest, is being organised by local representatives of the charity Surfers Against Sewage (SAS) and will serve as the flagship demonstration for Wales this year.

Campaigners are calling on all ocean, river, and lake users to take part in the peaceful protest, which aims to highlight the growing problem of sewage discharges at popular bathing spots across Pembrokeshire.

Local organisers Ella Staden, Kate Beardsmore, Lloyd Nelmes, Kate J, and Kate Evans have planned a full day of activities centred around Broad Haven beach.

The day will begin at 12:00pm with placard-making and creative sessions at Sunshine Italian (now rebranded as Rwts) on the seafront. A community beach clean will follow at 1:30pm.

At 2:30pm, participants will take part in the main event — a mass paddle out into the ocean — led by a member of the national Surfers Against Sewage team.

Before the paddle out, speeches will be given by Sian Richardson, founder of the global Bluetits cold-water swimming movement, and Sue Burton, Pembrokeshire’s Marine Special Area of Conservation Officer.

The day will conclude with an after-party at Rwts starting at 4:00pm. Those who joined the protest will be offered discounts, with live music from 5:00pm, a DJ set from 6:00pm, and food and drink including BBQ, pizza, and local refreshments available throughout the evening.

Ella Staden, SAS regional representative, said: “It’s important that the community comes together to show support for a charity that is fighting extremely hard to protect our oceans and make sure our Blue Flag beaches remain a safe place to surf and bathe.

“A lot of people in Pembrokeshire have been impacted by sewage overspills — whether that’s falling ill, being unable to enjoy water activities, or simply not being able to take our families to the beach.

“We urge every single person who cares about the water to come and get involved, as this is a great opportunity to make it crystal clear to the government that we won’t stand for it anymore.”

More details can be found on Facebook by searching for ‘Paddle Out Protest Broad Haven’.

Community

Volunteers pass RNLI assessments at Angle Lifeboat Station

Published

18 hours ago

April 29, 2025

Tom Sinclair

SIX volunteers at Angle RNLI Lifeboat Station have successfully completed key assessments, marking an important milestone in their ongoing training with the charity.

Earlier on Tuesday (Apr 29), crew members Nathen Houston, Anthony Thomas, Marc Blockwell, Bobby Davies and Neil Coles were all signed off on their Tier 2 competencies. The assessment, carried out during live exercise launches, tested their ability to carry out a variety of operational tasks safely and efficiently aboard the station’s lifeboat.

Tiered assessments are a core part of the RNLI’s structured training programme, designed to ensure volunteers are fully prepared to respond to emergencies at sea. Volunteers progress through the tiers as they demonstrate competence in areas such as navigation, boat handling, safety procedures, and teamwork under pressure.

Later the same day, Rhiannon Creese was successfully assessed as a Launch Authority. In this vital role, she will be responsible for authorising the launch of the lifeboat when required — a decision made in close coordination with HM Coastguard and other emergency services.

A spokesperson for Angle RNLI said: “These achievements reflect the hard work and dedication of our volunteers. The training is thorough and challenging, and passing these assessments means they are ready to take on more responsibility during lifeboat operations.”

The RNLI relies on volunteers for the majority of its lifesaving work, with crew and shore-based personnel undergoing extensive training to ensure they are ready for the demands of maritime rescue.

Angle Lifeboat has seen an increase in volunteers since their rescue vessel has been spending time moored in Milford Haven at the Port Authority Jetty.