News
Kurtz urges defence investment as Pembrokeshire left out of UK’s military masterplan
Senedd member says West Wales is ‘ready to serve’ but needs Government to act
A CALL has been made for Pembrokeshire to be put at the centre of the UK’s defence strategy, following the release of the UK Government’s new Strategic Defence Review (SDR)—which makes no mention of Wales despite committing to the biggest military overhaul in a generation.
Local Senedd Member Samuel Kurtz MS has written directly to the Defence Secretary, urging him to recognise Pembrokeshire’s “unique strategic potential” and ensure the county receives its fair share of the billions promised in new defence spending.
The 140-page SDR, published on June 2, lays out sweeping plans to modernise the armed forces, expand military infrastructure, and strengthen UK defence capabilities in cyber, space and conventional warfare. But the review fails to mention any Welsh locations—despite the presence of key military assets in the west of the country.
In his letter to Defence Secretary John Healey MP, Mr Kurtz highlighted the region’s existing infrastructure, including Castlemartin Firing Range, Cawdor Barracks, and the former Royal Navy armaments depots at Trecwn and Blackbridge. He also pointed to Pembrokeshire’s status as a national energy hub—home to major oil and gas terminals and the emerging floating offshore wind industry in the Celtic Sea.
“Pembrokeshire is steeped in military history and home to strategically important defence assets,” Mr Kurtz said. “It has enormous potential to play a vital role in the UK’s future defence plan.”
The call comes amid uncertainty over the future of Cawdor Barracks, which was previously earmarked for closure by 2028. In late 2023, however, the site was identified by the Ministry of Defence as the preferred location for a new Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability (DARC) installation, part of the AUKUS alliance with the US and Australia.
The £multi-million radar project—designed to track space-based threats—would secure the long-term future of Cawdor Barracks and create up to 100 jobs. Despite this, the DARC programme is not referenced at all in the SDR, raising concerns about the MOD’s long-term commitment.
Local campaigners have also expressed environmental concerns about the proposed radar array, which would be located near the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.
Mr Kurtz said the omission of Wales from the defence review must be corrected in the upcoming Defence Investment Plan, due later this year.
“Pembrokeshire must receive its fair share of any increase in defence investment,” he added. “Our communities have a proud record of supporting the Armed Forces—and we stand ready to do so again.”
The MOD says further details about regional investment and infrastructure upgrades will be announced in autumn.
Picture:
Strategic visit: Samuel Kurtz MS (centre right) at Castlemartin Firing Range, highlighting Pembrokeshire’s role in UK defence capability (Pic: Supplied)
Crime
Neighbourhood policing boosted across Dyfed-Powys
DYFED-POWYS POLICE has announced a significant expansion of its Neighbourhood Policing and Prevention Teams (NPPT), with more officers being deployed to frontline roles where demand is greatest.
From Monday (Mar 16), teams across the force area have been strengthened, with a renewed focus on tackling antisocial behaviour and preventing crime at its source.
The force says the move is aimed at reducing repeat demand by addressing the root causes of offending, rather than simply responding to incidents.
To achieve this, a number of officers have been redeployed from central departments back into frontline policing, while new posts are also being created to bolster capacity.
Temporary Chief Superintendent Steve Davies, head of uniform policing, said: “These changes are about increasing frontline visibility and ensuring we have the right resources in the right places.
“They form part of a wider programme of improvements across the force to enhance effectiveness and efficiency, while also supporting the wellbeing of our officers and staff.
“This is positive news for our communities, who will benefit from stronger neighbourhood teams focused on local priorities and proactive policing.”
The expansion has been made possible through Home Office funding under the Neighbourhood Guarantee scheme, which is designed to strengthen community safety and crime prevention.
Dyfed-Powys Police has been allocated £1.4 million for 2025/26, enabling the recruitment of police staff and freeing up officers previously in support roles to return to operational duties.
As a result, four sergeants and 29 police officers have now been reassigned to neighbourhood teams across the force.
Each NPPT area will also have a named officer, with full team details available via the ‘Your Area’ section of the Dyfed-Powys Police website.
The force has also secured early access to 2026/27 Neighbourhood Guarantee funding, which will see a further 12 officers recruited between April and the autumn—adding to overall officer numbers in the region.
Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn said: “Neighbourhood policing is about more than numbers—it’s about relationships.
“Greater visibility helps build trust, strengthens community ties, and reassures the public that policing is present, responsive, and committed to keeping people safe.
“I remain committed to improving police visibility across our communities, and these additional officers will help turn that ambition into reality.”
Crime
Broad Haven man remanded in custody over sexual harm prevention order breach
Defendant admitted using Xbox without informing police as required under court order
ANTHONY COOMBES, aged 26, of Sand Banks, Broad Haven, appeared before Llanelli Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar 20) charged with breaching a sexual harm prevention order.
The court heard that between February 26 and March 19, 2026, at Haverfordwest, Coombes repeatedly breached the order by using an Xbox device without informing police within three days, as required.
The offences relate to a sexual harm prevention order imposed at Swansea Crown Court on October 20, 2021.
Coombes indicated guilty pleas to the offences at the first hearing.
Magistrates committed the case to Swansea Crown Court for sentence.
He was remanded in custody ahead of the next hearing, which is due to take place at 9:00am on Friday, April 3, at Swansea Crown Court.
The court refused bail on the grounds that he was likely to offend, citing the nature and seriousness of the offences and his previous record and character.
A pre-sentence report was ordered.
News
Man arrested after suspected drugs-related death in Haverfordwest
Police say death not suspicious as 46-year-old arrested over alleged Class A drug supply
A MAN has died following a medical emergency at a property in Haverfordwest, police have confirmed.
Emergency services were called at 3:18pm on Wednesday (March 18) after a report of a medical incident.
A man was pronounced dead at the scene.
Dyfed-Powys Police said the man’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by officers.
The death is not being treated as suspicious at this time.
However, police confirmed that a man, aged 46, was arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.
He has since been released under investigation while enquiries continue.
No further details about the deceased have been formally released.
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