News

Deep Space Radar base to be built in Brawdy, creating 100 jobs

Published

3 years ago

December 2, 2023

IN A MAJOR announcement today (Dec 2) the Defence Secretaries of Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States have unveiled the Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability (DARC) programme – and one of just three sites chosen worldwide for this hi-tech system will be in Pembrokeshire, at Brawdy. This pioneering initiative aims to significantly bolster the defence capabilities of AUKUS nations (Australia, the UK, and the US) by providing 24/7, all-weather capabilities to monitor objects as far as 36,000 kilometers away from Earth.

The Cawdor Barracks in Pembrokeshire, Wales, have been earmarked as the preferred UK site for this state-of-the-art deep space radar, subject to a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment and Town Planning approval. The DARC programme is set to transform UK security, improving our ability to detect, track, and identify objects in deep space.

As the world faces increasing threats of space warfare, this development is a timely enhancement to the defence capabilities of the AUKUS nations. The global network of three ground-based radars, to be jointly operated, will play a critical role in space-traffic management and the surveillance of satellites in deep space. The geographical positioning of the AUKUS nations allows for unparalleled global coverage, including the detection of potential threats to defence or civilian space systems.

UK Defence Secretary, Grant Shapps, emphasized the importance of this initiative: “As the world becomes more contested and the danger of space warfare increases, the UK and our allies must ensure we have the advanced capabilities we need to keep our nations’ safe. Today’s announcement of a global radar network (DARC), based across the UK, US, and Australia will do just that, empowering the UK to detect, track, and identify objects in deep space.”

The selection of Cawdor Barracks, which currently houses a British Army Signals Regiment scheduled to relocate from 2028, is expected to bring significant economic benefits to the local Pembrokeshire economy. The project promises job creation during the construction phase and is projected to provide up to 100 longer-term jobs.

The DARC programme also extends beyond defence benefits. It is equipped to monitor and protect essential services that rely on space-based satellites, including communications and navigation systems crucial for daily life. This capability is vital for AUKUS’ commitment to maintaining peace and deterring conflict globally, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region.

Secretary of State for Wales, David TC Davies, hailed the project: “The proposed DARC project will provide jobs and bolster the local economy, underlining the vital role that Wales continues to play in the UK’s defence.”

Stephen Crabb MP, speaking to The Herald on Friday, said: “The Cawdor Barracks site was always a strong contender for this project…The 100 new jobs would certainly be welcome but won’t fully fill the gap if the Signals Regiment does eventually move out.”

Local councillor for Brawdy, Mark Carter said that he was in favour of the development.

He said: “As long as we can confirm that there are no health implications for the local residents I am in favour of this being in Pembrokeshire.

“It will have a positive economic impact during both the construction phase and over 100 long term jobs.”

The first DARC radar site, currently under construction in Australia, is slated to be operational by 2026, with all three sites expected to be fully operational by the end of the decade.

This development follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in September 2023 and is a key component of the UK’s Defence Space Strategy, enhancing collective space domain awareness – a critical objective for national security.

AUKUS, a landmark security and defence partnership, is set to benefit significantly from DARC, marking a significant step forward in delivering enhanced security capabilities among the partner nations and supporting a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

However, the new American military branch, US Space Force, established by former president, Donald Trump, has been criticised as an unwise and costly escalation that could lead to a dangerous new arms race.

A spokesperson for the Campaign Against the Arms Trade said the plans were “totally misguided” and that the money would be better spent on reducing poverty.

“The huge sums of money involved would be far better spent building fairer and more equal societies here rather than further militarising space,” they said.

The stations, covering around a square kilometre, would host an array of large radar dishes, known as parabolic antenna, each 15 metres in diameter.

The US already operates an early warning system to detect ballistic missiles in space, which includes a facility at RAF Fylingdales in North Yorkshire. However, that can only detect objects up to 12,000 miles away while DARC would look much further into space.

Joe Mozer, chief scientist at the US Space Force, said: “We must overmatch our strategic competitors.”

Charity

Toy Story fans fill charity toy box at Haverfordwest cinema

Published

2 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Donations pour in for SNAP Specialist Play as families embrace Toy Story 5 launch

A TOY STORY-themed charity appeal at a Haverfordwest cinema has got off to a flying start, with families donating toys to support children with additional needs across Pembrokeshire.

The Palace Cinema has teamed up with local charity SNAP Specialist Play to collect new and pre-loved toys during screenings of the newly released Toy Story 5.

The appeal centres around an “Andy’s Toys” donation box, inspired by the beloved Pixar films, which has already been filled by generous filmgoers.

***Toy Story magic: The Palace Cinema foyer has been transformed with themed decorations to celebrate the film’s release***

Cinema manager Hannah Cramp said the response from the community had exceeded expectations.

Families attending opening screenings have arrived carrying bags of toys, with many children keen to share their own treasured items to help others.

The cinema has transformed its foyer into a colourful Toy Story-themed experience, complete with hand-painted decorations, character silhouettes, bunting and famous film slogans including “Reach for the Sky” and “To Infinity and Beyond”.

Many visitors have also embraced the spirit of the occasion by attending in costume as their favourite Toy Story characters.

***Specialist support: SNAP’s sensory facilities help children with additional needs learn and develop through play***

The toys are being donated to SNAP Specialist Play, a charity based within the Child Health Department at Withybush Hospital.

SNAP supports pre-school children with additional and complex needs through specialist play sessions designed to encourage communication, physical development and sensory learning.

Its facilities include sensory rooms, therapeutic play spaces and bespoke equipment used by speech and language therapists, occupational therapists and physiotherapists.

Project manager Cindy Jenkins said the charity was delighted by the partnership and grateful for the generosity shown by local families.

She said every toy donated would be put to good use, either during specialist play sessions, at family events, or through seasonal initiatives such as Christmas gift boxes for children and their siblings.

The appeal will continue until mid-July, with organisers hopeful that even more donations will be received over the coming weeks.

Anyone attending Toy Story 5 at the Palace Cinema is invited to bring along a new or good-quality pre-loved toy to support the appeal.

Cover photo:

Fancy dress fun: Palace Cinema manager Hannah Cramp helping launch the Toy Story charity appeal.

Health

Medicine shortages now ‘most severe on record’, health leaders warn

Published

2 hours ago

June 20, 2026

Tom Sinclair

PATIENTS are facing some of the worst medicine shortages ever seen in the UK, with pharmacists warning the situation now poses a serious risk to safety.

The National Pharmacy Association said shortages affecting commonly used medicines are becoming more frequent, lasting longer, and causing increasing disruption for patients, GP surgeries and pharmacies.

The warning comes as Serious Shortage Protocols for Creon, used by people with pancreatic cancer and cystic fibrosis to help digest food, have been in place since May 2024 and have now been extended until July 10, 2026.

HRT treatment Estradot has also been under a Serious Shortage Protocol since December 2024, with the current extension also running until July 10.

Patients travelling between pharmacies

A survey by the National Pharmacy Association found that 98 per cent of pharmacies had encountered patients who had visited several pharmacies in one day to find a prescription.

It also found that 96 per cent of pharmacies believed the current situation posed a serious risk to patient safety, while 89 per cent said they had been unable to dispense a medicine at least once a day because of supply problems.

Some pharmacy teams have also faced anger and abuse from patients unable to obtain medication.

Olivier Picard, Chair of the National Pharmacy Association, said: “Medicine shortages are becoming more frequent, lasting longer and causing increasing disruption for patients.

“These shortages are some of most severe the UK has experienced.

“It is deeply distressing to find patients who have travelled from pharmacy to pharmacy to find the medicines they need without success.”

Calls for urgent taskforce

The NPA is calling on the government to convene an emergency taskforce involving manufacturers, wholesalers, clinicians and pharmacists.

It also wants changes to rules which currently stop pharmacists from making simple substitutions, such as changing a tablet to a capsule or a cream to an ointment, even where a safe alternative is available.

Professor Victoria Tzortziou Brown, President of the Royal College of GPs, said medicine shortages were frustrating for patients, GPs and pharmacists, and added pressure to already stretched services.

She said the College supported pharmacists being able to make limited changes to prescriptions where a medicine is unavailable and a safe alternative exists.

She added: “The most important thing is that patients are able to access the medication they need safely and without delay.”

The Cystic Fibrosis Trust and Pancreatic Cancer UK have also raised concerns about the impact of shortages of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, including Creon, on people who rely on the medication to digest food, maintain weight and stay well enough for treatment.