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
Illegal dog breeders ordered to pay over £129,000 after council probe
FOUR people from Mynyddygarreg, Kidwelly, have been ordered to pay more than £129,000 following a successful prosecution for illegal dog breeding.
At Swansea Crown Court on Tuesday (Mar 10), before His Honour Judge Thomas KC, Stacey May June Edwards, Peter John Edwards, Sian Eleri Thomas and David Malcolm James Thomas, all of Sea Breeze, Mynyddygarreg, pleaded guilty to offences under the Breeding of Dogs (Wales) Regulations 2014.
The court imposed confiscation orders totalling £129,873.41 under the Proceeds of Crime Act across the four defendants. They were also ordered to pay £8,000 in costs, while each defendant received a £2,000 fine.
The investigation began in April 2021 after Carmarthenshire County Council’s Animal Health team received an enquiry from Peter Edwards about obtaining a dog breeding licence. Although licensing guidance was provided and a partial application was submitted in February 2022, this was later withdrawn.
In March 2024, the council received a complaint that puppies were being advertised for sale without the required licence. Officers subsequently contacted online advertising platforms and issued data requests to assess the scale of activity.
Analysis of records from Pets4Homes, Freeads and Gumtree revealed multiple litters being advertised by members of the same household.
Correspondence under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act confirmed that up to 25 dogs were kept at the property, including between 16 and 19 breeding females.
While some defendants claimed joint ownership of the dogs, others attempted to minimise their involvement.
The Herald understands that numerous puppy advertisements were posted between July 2020 and April 2025, demonstrating a sustained pattern of unlicensed breeding.
Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Climate Change, Decarbonisation and Sustainability, Cllr Aled Vaughan Owen, said: “This case demonstrates the council’s firm stance against unlicensed and illegal dog breeding.
“These regulations are in place to protect animal welfare and ensure that breeding activities are subject to proper oversight. The scale of activity uncovered at this property was entirely unacceptable, and we welcome the court’s decision to issue significant confiscation orders under POCA.”
He added: “We urge anyone with concerns about illegal dog breeding to report it. Our Animal Health officers will continue to investigate thoroughly and take action against those who disregard the law.”
Residents are reminded that anyone breeding and selling dogs must comply with licensing regulations designed to protect both animal welfare and consumers.
Crime
Publican jailed for six years for supplying cocaine and cannabis
Milford Haven man sentenced at Swansea Crown Court following drug dealing operation
A MILFORD HAVEN publican has been jailed for six years after admitting supplying cocaine and cannabis.
The defendant, who previously appeared before magistrates and was remanded in custody, was sentenced at Swansea Crown Court following an investigation into drug dealing activity linked to the town.

The court heard that he had been involved in the supply of Class A and Class B drugs, with evidence including material recovered by police and analysis of mobile phone data. Investigators said the activity had been ongoing since at least 2024.
Cocaine, a Class A drug, carries the most serious penalties under UK law, and the involvement of both cocaine and cannabis was reflected in the length of the sentence imposed.
During proceedings, the court was told that the case went beyond isolated incidents, with the defendant playing a significant role in the supply chain. The judge said the offending was serious and sustained, warranting an immediate custodial sentence.
He was sentenced to six years in prison.
The case had previously been heard at Haverfordwest Magistrates’ Court, where the defendant was remanded due to the seriousness of the allegations before being sent to the Crown Court for sentencing.

Education
Prendergast School achieves gold award for Armed Forces support
Top honour recognises commitment to Service children and families
PRENDERGAST CP School in Haverfordwest has been awarded the highest possible recognition for its support of Armed Forces families.
The school has secured Gold Armed Forces Friendly School Cymru status, marking a significant milestone in its ongoing work to support pupils from Service backgrounds.
Headteacher Louise John said the achievement reflects a strong, whole-school commitment to ensuring Service children feel supported and able to succeed.

She said: “We are committed to ensuring Service pupils feel welcomed, understood and able to thrive.
“We recognise the unique experiences of children from Service families and have worked hard to embed that understanding across the school.
“Our approach focuses on early identification, strong communication with families, and consistent pastoral support.
“Achieving Gold status recognises the dedication of our staff and the inclusive practices already in place, while reinforcing our ongoing commitment to supporting Service children’s wellbeing, sense of belonging, and educational success.”
The Gold award, delivered through Supporting Service Children in Education Cymru (SSCE Cymru), requires schools to demonstrate strong and sustained support for Service children. This includes creating a positive environment where pupils can share their experiences and strengthening links with the wider Armed Forces community.
Prendergast CP School previously achieved both Bronze and Silver awards before progressing to the top level.
Cllr Simon Hancock, Pembrokeshire County Council’s Armed Forces Champion, praised the achievement.
He said: “I would like to congratulate Prendergast School on achieving the coveted Gold Armed Forces Friendly School Cymru status.
“From my visits, it is clear the school actively engages with the Armed Forces community and provides a positive and supportive environment for Service children.”
Cllr Guy Woodham, Cabinet Member for Education and the Welsh Language, added: “This is fantastic recognition of the ongoing work at Prendergast School.
“It highlights the importance of supporting Armed Forces families and sets a strong example of best practice. Well done to everyone involved.”
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