PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL says it has taken a key step toward securing a stronger economic future for the county with the approval of the Celtic Freeport full business case last week (Oct 3).

The Freeport represents a new opportunity to help Wales continue to develop a globally competitive, inclusive and sustainable economy.

Deputy Leader Cllr Paul Miller, cabinet member for Place, the Region and Climate Change, said: “This is a tremendously exciting period for the Haven waterway and for Pembrokeshire as a whole.

“We couldn’t be more closely aligned with the aspirations of UK and Welsh Government in terms of energy transition and our role is to ensure we create the right conditions for investment and growth both here in Pembrokeshire and across the South West Wales region.

“The scale of the opportunity ahead for the Milford Haven Waterway and for Pembrokeshire is enormous and we are determined to ensure we maximise the opportunity this coming energy revolution offers to grow the Pembrokeshire economy, to secure investment and to create and sustain good jobs.

“The energy industry is, and has been, a key component of the Pembrokeshire economy since the 1950s. The arrival of the hydrocarbon business to the Milford Haven waterway transformed the county and it’s prosperity. That industry continues to be the primary economic force in Pembrokeshire but it’s also not the force it once was – with the loss of four refineries.

“Therefore, we need to look to the future, to look for opportunity and right now, we’re on the cusp of another opportunity with the potential to be every bit as transformational as those investments in the 50s.

“This opportunity revolves around future clean, green, renewable energy and in particular the potential for Pembrokeshire to play a key role in the exploitation of wind energy through the design, fabrication, operation and maintenance of floating off-shore wind turbines – and also green hydrogen.”

For more information on the Celtic Freeport visit the website.

AT Plaid Cymru’s recent Cardiff conference, the party showed overwhelming support for the local Pembrokeshire campaign opposing the Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability (DARC) project. Delegates unanimously backed a motion committing the party to fight against the proposed radar installation at Cawdor Barracks, Brawdy, amid growing concerns from local communities about its impact on the environment, tourism, and local livelihoods.

The Pembrokeshire Against the Radar Campaign (PARC), which has spearheaded efforts to stop the DARC project, hailed the decision as a “hugely significant moment.” PARC claims the MoD has been largely unresponsive to local concerns, with no substantial engagement from Welsh Labour, despite a petition signed by over 16,000 local residents. The group asserts that Plaid Cymru’s support signals an escalation in political pressure and believes it will become a key issue in the 2026 Senedd elections.

A campaign gathers momentum

PARC’s spokesperson stated, “Plaid Cymru’s decision to support us against DARC radar is a major step forward. Welsh Labour’s silence on the issue has been frustrating, and the local community is growing increasingly impatient. Today’s vote sends a clear message that if Labour continues to ignore the issue, political pressure will increase.”

The campaign, which has also gained backing from the Wales Green Party, is putting additional pressure on the Liberal Democrats to take a stance. With growing cross-party support, the group believes that this will be a defining issue in the upcoming elections, particularly with the expansion of the Senedd to 96 members. PARC hopes that a coalition between Plaid Cymru, the Greens, and potentially the Lib Dems could force Welsh Labour to rethink its stance on DARC.

The MoD’s perspective

In contrast, the MoD has defended the DARC project, citing its critical importance for national security. The radar, which is part of a broader international collaboration between the UK, Australia, and the US under the AUKUS alliance, is designed to detect and track objects in deep space. The MoD asserts that DARC will play a vital role in protecting essential satellite networks that underpin both civilian and military operations, ranging from navigation systems to climate monitoring.

John Healey, the Defence Secretary, has emphasised that the project will not only enhance the UK’s space awareness but also secure long-term jobs in Pembrokeshire. Up to 100 personnel will be stationed at Cawdor Barracks to operate and maintain the radar system, ensuring the site remains active beyond its previously planned closure in 2028. Healey described the radar as essential for both national defence and daily civilian life, from banking services to mobile phone communications.

Addressing local concerns

The MoD has also acknowledged local concerns regarding the environmental and health impacts of the radar system. To address these, it is conducting a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) alongside a Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment. The MoD has assured the community that DARC will meet stringent international safety standards set by organisations such as the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP). These evaluations will be key in securing planning consent from Pembrokeshire County Council.

Public engagement has been central to the MoD’s approach. In September 2024, two public information sessions were held in Solva and St Davids, where residents could raise their concerns and seek clarity on the project. The MoD has pledged to continue its dialogue with the local community, emphasising that it wants to work collaboratively on the development of the site.

Opposition remains strong

Despite the MoD’s efforts to reassure the public, opposition to the project remains strong. PARC continues to argue that the radar will have far-reaching negative impacts on the local tourism industry, property values, and the unique natural habitats in the region. The group has staged several protests, including a high-profile demonstration that garnered national attention, and has established an encampment outside Cawdor Barracks.

PARC also highlights the strategic risks of hosting such a large-scale military installation, arguing that the radar could make Pembrokeshire a prime target in the event of global conflicts. The group remains committed to using all available legal and planning mechanisms to halt the project.

“We believe that DARC poses a real threat to our landscape, economy, and health,” said a PARC spokesperson. “This is not just about local opposition—it’s about protecting our region and making sure Wales isn’t unnecessarily drawn into US foreign policy. We will continue to fight this with everything we’ve got.”

As the campaign continues to grow, it seems certain that the debate over DARC will dominate local politics in Pembrokeshire in the coming years. Both the MoD and local opposition are preparing for a protracted battle over the future of Cawdor Barracks and the role of deep-space radar in West Wales.

THIS SUNDAY marks 100 days since the Labour Party won a landslide in the 2024 General Election on 4 July. It also marks 100 days in office for Mid and South Pembrokeshire’s MP, Henry Tufnell.

On a visit to Pembrokeshire College on Friday (Oct 11), Tufnell met with students and staff to discuss the impact that GB Energy, a key Labour policy, will have on jobs and the environment here in Pembrokeshire. GB Energy has long been touted as a cornerstone of Labour’s commitment to combat climate change while creating good, green jobs across the country and reducing household energy bills.

Reflecting on his first 100 days as Pembrokeshire’s newest MP, Tufnell said: “It’s been a very busy start. In these first 100 days, I have set up my office in the heart of the constituency, held multiple surgeries, employed 4 local staff members, met with fantastic community groups such as Car Y Mor, visited Pembrokeshire College, and worked with the energy industry around net zero. I’ve talked to BBC Wales about the passion and opportunity that Pembrokeshire holds, and most importantly, I’ve advocated for my constituents in Parliament.

“And I’m just getting started.”

Tufnell discussed the impact that Labour’s flagship policy of GB Energy would have on their hometowns, and how Pembrokeshire will play its part in contributing to the UK’s net-zero targets.

At Pembrokeshire College, Tufnell said: “GB Energy is one of the boldest steps this government has taken to ensure that the UK becomes a world leader in clean energy and the fight against climate change. Now, with GB Energy, we can reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and create the jobs of the future right here in Mid and South Pembrokeshire.”

In August, Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner joined Secretary of State for Wales, Jo Stevens, First Minister, Eluned Morgan, and Tufnell at Pembroke Dock Marine to initiate the Swansea Bay City Deal project, which is set to complement the Celtic Freeport and place Pembrokeshire at the heart of UK zero carbon and offshore energy innovation.

At the time the Deputy Prime Minister said: “We want to get all parts of the UK tapping into their local opportunities for growth so that every single person can unlock their potential, no matter where they live.”

And it’s not just Tufnell that is enthusiastic about GB Energy’s impact on the constituency. Tufnell recently met with Martin Jones, a longtime Pembrokeshire resident and community champion in Milford Haven. Jones enthused:

“As a Pembrokeshire resident, I’m delighted to see such a significant investment in our area. This initiative not only creates skilled, well-paid jobs but also enhances Pembrokeshire’s profile while contributing to our net-zero goals.”